NHL Rumors: Blackhawks Acquire Jets Forward Andrew Ladd

The Blackhawks confirmed on Thursday night that they have acquired forward Andrew Ladd from the Jets.

Winnipeg Jets captain Andrew Ladd was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks Thursday evening in exchange for Chicago’s first round draft pick in 2016, a conditional draft pick in 2018 and forward Marko Dano. TSN’s Darren Dreger reported that the Jets will retain 36 percent of Ladd’s salary so the Hawks can fit him under the cap.

As one of the better upcoming unrestricted free agents this summer, Ladd has been one of the highest profile names bandied about as the trade deadline approached.

American Hockey League prospects Jay Harrison and Matt Fraser were also sent to Chicago in the deal, and will be assigned to the Blackhawks’ AHL affiliate in Rockford, Ill.

Ladd doesn’t figure to serve in a starring role for the Blackhawks, but he’ll likely benefit from a move to a much more potent Chicago top-six group. He played on the Blackhawks from 2008-2010, with his last shift with the team coming on Patrick Kane’s game-winning goal during overtime in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final clincher for Chicago.

Dano is a 21 year old Austrian born left shot center who is 5-11 and 183 pounds.

Ladd, 30, has been a solid contributor for the Jets this season, scoring 17 goals and adding 17 assists.