Andrew Ladd could be a potential target for contending teams at the trade deadline this year, including the Anaheim Ducks.
The Winnipeg Jets have reportedly spoken with Ladd about signing a contract extension, but if talks fail leading into the deadline, the winger could be traded. Elliotte Friedman at Sportsnet was on Calgary's Sportsnet 960 and reported that Ladd could be a prime target for teams at the deadline. Friedman said that Anaheim is an "interesting team" at this point in the season, as they are second in their division and could look to add pieces to make a Stanley Cup run.
Friedman reports that the team is "searching the market for forwards" and that he is "curious" to see what the team does since "suddenly they're looking like everything that we expected." Friedman spoke about Ladd and some other targets at the deadline, saying that teams like the Ducks, Blackhawks and Panthers all could be looking to add pieces over the next two weeks. Friedman said that all three of those teams could be potential fits for Ladd, who will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season.
Friedman said that Ladd is the "the interesting one to me" due to the fact that things have gone "radio silent" between Ladd and the Jets about a new contract. Ladd is having a solid season with 32 points in 57 games and he could be looked at as a "rental" option for contending teams as they push towards the playoffs. The Ducks could be well positioned to make a deal, as the team has depth on defense and could look there if they pull off a trade for Ladd.
TSN writes that the Ducks are "stockpiled" with young defensive prospects and that they could use those players to make moves at the deadline. Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal writes that while he doesn't think general manager Bob Murray will deal any NHL-level players at that position, the team could consider moving Brandon Montour and Jacob Larsson. Matheson also mentions that Loui Eriksson could be an option for the Ducks if the deal with Ladd does not materialize.
