Skip to content

Jets' Ladd eager to sign contract extension prior to start of season

Jerome Miron / USA Today

Andrew Ladd is hoping he and the Winnipeg Jets can take care of some business before the puck drops on a new season.

The captain is heading into the final year of a deal that will see him earn $4.5 million in 2015-16, and the two sides are believed to be working toward a contract extension. Ladd's preference, he told TSN on Wednesday, is to have a new contract in place when play resumes in October.

"It would probably be nicer to get it done before the year," he said. "I think at that point, especially in a market like this, there are questions every day. It'd be nice to move past it at some point.

"I've been around long enough to know that sometimes these things take a little time, (but) I think both parties are interested in getting something done."

Ladd added there's much to be excited about in Jets land these days.

"I like the direction we're headed. I thought we dealt with a lot last year and played some of our best hockey with key guys out of the lineup, which is a good sign of a strong team that has great structure and good coach. I think all the things add up ... I want to be a part of it."

Ladd, of course, is referring - at least in part - to teammate Dustin Byfuglien, who missed time late in the season due to suspension, a scenario that didn't hinder the club from advancing to the postseason for the first time since returning to Winnipeg.

The hulking defenseman - sometimes forward - is also due for a contract extension.

Ladd, 29, recorded 24 goals and 38 assists for a career-high 62 points in 81 games for the Jets last season.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox