Report: Jets more likely to deal Ladd than Byfuglien
This town ain't big enough for the both of them.
As trade deadline day inches closer, it's become evident the Winnipeg Jets will provide the biggest grab, regardless of who it is.
Related: Report: Panthers, Canucks potential suitors if Andrew Ladd goes on trading block
According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, three league executives believe the Jets will retain only one of captain Andrew Ladd and defenseman Dustin Byfuglien past the deadline.
Indications are that Ladd is more likely to be shipped out, but that doesn't make him a throwaway.
"There won't be any shortage of interest in Ladd if they decide to move him," an executive told Garrioch.
The reporter notes there are also indications that Ladd turned down a six-year, $36-million contract at the start of the season. In December, Tim Campbell of the Winnipeg Free Press reported that Ladd was seeking $41 million over six years.
Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman also reported that both the team and Ladd agreed on a six-year term, but both sides were less than $1 million apart per year, yet more than $500,000.
As for Byfuglien, Garrioch insists there's a sense the Jets will try to lock him up before the deadline, with a source saying a deal could fall within the seven-year, $7.5-million-per-annum range.
Byfuglien's tied for second among NHL defensemen with 15 goals in 52 games this season.