The Winnipeg Jets are continuing to receive heavy interest in captain Andrew Ladd, but some teams feel that the trade price is too high for the veteran winger.
Ladd has been one of the hottest targets at the deadline this season, as he is a pending free agent and the Jets may not sign him to an extension. The Florida Panthers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Chicago Blackhawks and New York Islanders have all shown interest in Ladd with the deadline approaching, according to Luke Fox at Sportsnet. But some of those teams may not be willing to meet the asking price of the Jets to get Ladd.
The Panthers have been mentioned as a potential target for Ladd for a number of weeks, but the team is reportedly "cooling" on the deal, according to George Richards at the Miami Herald. Richards writes that the team is not pressing as hard for a deal due to the "high price" from the Jets. Winnipeg is reportedly looking for a first round pick and a top prospect, and the Panthers feel that the price is too high for what would "likely be a rental" player.
The Panthers have been in the market for another forward for the playoffs, but right now it looks like Ladd will not be the player they add. The Islanders have also had interest in Ladd, but the price from the Jets appears to be too high for New York as well, according to Arthur Staple at Newsday. The Islanders feel the price is "far too steep" with a "1st plus one of their top F prospects." Staple writes that at that price, a deal is "no dice" for the Islanders.
The Chicago Blackhawks remain an option for Ladd at the deadline, as general manager Stan Bowman has been scouting the team over the past week, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Rob Ogden reports that the Blackhawks want to add a wing piece at the deadline, and would like a player that can fit on a "top line." Ladd previously played for the Blackhawks and has playoff experience. Ladd has been productive this season with 34 points in 59 games, and he could be a strong fit for the Blackhawks in a deal.
With some teams thinking that the price for Ladd is too high, there is a chance that the Jets could lower the price to get a deal done, according to Ken Wiebe at the Winnipeg Sun.
The trade deadline is Feb. 29 at 3 pm ET.