Blackhawks Ink Andrew Ladd to Two-Year Contract

[Thrillhouse]

The Chicago Blackhawks announced today the team has re-signed forward Andrew Ladd (6-2, 201) to a two-year contract.

Ladd, 22, came to the Blackhawks via the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for Tuomo Ruutu on Feb. 26, 2008. In 2007-08, he played in a total of 63 games with the Hurricanes and Blackhawks and totaled 14 goals with 16 assists for 30 points and 35 penalty minutes. In his three NHL seasons, Ladd has appeared in 157 games with Carolina and Chicago and has netted 62 points off 31 goals and 31 assists. He also has played in 17 NHL Playoff games, all with the Hurricanes in 2005-06 during their run to the Stanley Cup championship, yielding two goals and three assists. In the 2004 NHL Entry Draft he was Carolina’s top choice (fourth overall).

[BrianTheAdsFan]

Not bad. Only 1.5 mil a year...

[Isles4life]

For a 4th overall pick, I would have thought Ladd might have come along a little faster. He's becoming a solid player, but hopefully for Chicago he can find a little more offense in his game.

[ScrappyOne]

Ladd has come along way in a short period of time. 2007-2008 while this was a rough year with injuries for Ladd he was able to amass 30 pts. Now what coach would not like all his forward players making 30 points in a season?

[Podollan]

I was very unhappy when the Canes traded him away-
I think he has a good future.,

[staal4pm]

Originally Posted by Podollan

I was very unhappy when the Canes traded him away-
I think he has a good future.,

Agreed. But he was progressing VERY slowly. No doubt he'll be a good player...solid Western Canadian kid with good insticts, puck possession, quick release, good in front of the net, and tough. However, to really make the next step he needs top 6 minutes which was somthing we couldn't give him. Also, his slow development didn't allow it. When we drafted him, Rutherford pointed to a line of the future with Erik Cole, Eric Staal, and Ladd but he never panned out and was stuck on the third line. In Chicago he'll get a better shot and hopefully can do something with it. He is a great kid on and off the ice and does everything the right way. A guy you really want to cheer for.

With that said, the deal is working out for the Canes. With Ruutu you only sacrifice 2 years in age and get a better player at this point, IMO, in return.

[OLLBLUEEYZ]

He fits in nicely here in Chicago ... Happy day.