Ladd not expecting to re-sign with Blackhawks

Andrew Ladd appears set to become an unrestricted free agent, with a big decision to make in regards to his future.

Acquired by the Chicago Blackhawks prior to the NHL's most recent trade deadline, Ladd doesn't expect to re-sign with the club, mainly due to cap restrictions.

"When we spoke after the season, they said it would be tough," Ladd told Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet via a phone conversation Tuesday. "The likelihood is they don't have the room to make it work."

His criteria for a new team?

"Can the family go somewhere where my wife and kids enjoy life? That’s a big element. From my standpoint, I want to win and compete for a Cup."

Ladd added he's not closing the door on a potential return to Winnipeg, where he served as captain of the Jets up until the move to Chicago.

The 30-year-old is coming off a five-year deal that carried an average annual valuation of $4.4 million.