Thrashers, Ladd Avoid Arbitration, Agree on One-Year Deal

[Svyatoslav]

The Atlanta Thrashers have re-signed restricted free agent forward Andrew Ladd, according to General Manager Rick Dudley.

Ladd, 24, appeared in all 82 games for the Chicago Blackhawks last season, posting 38 points (17 goals, 21 assists). He registered a career-high in goals, ranked third on the club in even-strength goals (17) and was eighth in points. Ladd earned his first career NHL hat trick on March 7 vs. Detroit. He added six points (three goals, three assists) in 19 Stanley Cup Playoff games, while helping the Blackhawks capture the 2010 Stanley Cup Championship.

The 6-2, 200-pound left wing has registered 149 points (63 goals, 86 assists) in 321 career games with Chicago and Carolina. He has added 15 points (eight goals, seven assists) in 53 Stanley Cup Playoff contests, including winning the 2006 Stanley Cup Championship with the Hurricanes. The Maple Ridge, British Columbia, native appeared in 27 American Hockey League games with Lowell and Albany from 2005 to 2008, tallying 20 points (12 goals, eight assists).

Prior to his professional career, Ladd earned 120 points (49 goals, 71 assists) in 137 games with Calgary and Vancouver of the Western Hockey League from 2001 to 2005. He also represented Canada in the 2005 World Junior Championship, posting seven points (three goals, four assists) in six games.

Ladd was originally selected by Carolina in the first round, fourth overall, of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.

[OLLBLUEEYZ]

dam..
I wish the Hawks could have found a way to keep Ladd. Ladd is great piece of a winning puzzle.

[Mr. America]

Ladd is solid. I really liked him on the Hurricanes. I don't know why we bring back the more worthless players we've had, but not somebody like him.