The New York Islanders have signed their first big free agent of the offseason. The team came to terms with forward Andrew Ladd on a seven-year, $5.5 million per year deal per Andy Strickland.
Ladd, a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Carolina Hurricanes and Chicago Blackhawks, will bring a steady veteran leadership role to the Islanders. He’ll likely slot in as John Tavares’ left wing and bring consistent offense, which is something that New York has sorely missed in that position. Ladd has scored 210 goals and 256 assists in 769 games throughout his 11-season NHL career. He is a five-time 20-goal scorer in the regular season.
Perhaps it’s not surprising, as the Islanders gave Ladd a tour of Long Island in an attempt to court him. Evidently, it worked.
Ladd spent six seasons with the Winnipeg Jets franchise before he returned to Chicago via trade in hopes of winning a third Cup before hitting free agency. His venture was unsuccessful, as the Hawks were bounced in the first round by the St. Louis Blues in seven games. Instead, Ladd will be an integral piece in the Islanders march for their fifth Stanley Cup.
The signing means that longtime Islander Kyle Okposo’s production has effectively been replaced. Over the past six seasons, Ladd has outscored Okposo with 147 goals to 100. Okposo signed with the Buffalo Sabres for seven years, $42 million.
While he may not be Steven Stamkos or Taylor Hall, the Islanders are hoping to get a few years of Ladd being the top line winger that they’ve sorely needed with Tavares.
