The Winnipeg Jets are still considering their options regarding captain Andrew Ladd at the trade deadline, according to a report from Pierre LeBrun at ESPN.
The Jets have been receiving significant interest in Ladd this season, and with the trade deadline less than a week away, the team is still debating how to proceed. LeBrun reports that sources told ESPN that Kevin Cheveldayoff is "talking to teams" about what the return would be for Ladd in deals at the deadline. The team also remains interested in signing Ladd to a new contract.
Ladd is set to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and if the Jets cannot reach a contract extension with the winger, it's likely they will trade him. Gary Lawless at TSN reported this week that Cheveldayoff is doing "a lot of listening" on Ladd, and that "it's believed at least one team has made an offer of a first-round pick plus a prospect."
Lawless writes that the Anaheim Ducks, Florida Panthers, Los Angeles Kings, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Washington Capitals all could be interested in Ladd at the deadline. Lawless reported last week that the Jets were going to make another attempt to sign Ladd to an extension, but so far the two sides have not agreed on a new contract.
LeBrun writes that with Jacob Trouba and Mark Scheifele hitting restricted free agency this summer, there may not be enough money left to sign Ladd as well. LeBrun reports that there is "no question" that the Panthers have interest in Ladd, while the Blackhawks "also have interest in Ladd among a few other rental forward targets."
Ken Wiebe at the Winnipeg Sun reported on Tuesday that Ladd's camp "hasn't received a new contract offer this week" from the Jets. Ladd has been productive this season with 33 points in 58 games, and his leadership ability is something that contending teams find appealing.
The trade deadline is Feb. 29 at 3 pm ET.
