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