In an apparent salary cap move, the New York Islanders sent veteran forward Andrew Ladd to Arizona, along with a 2021 second-round draft choice, a 2022 conditional second-rounder, and a 2023 conditional third-round selection for no return from the Coyotes.
The Coyotes take on a $5.5 million cap hit over the next two seasons, freeing up cap space for the Islanders. Ladd has two seasons left on a seven-year, $38.5 million deal he signed prior to the 2016-17 season.
Ladd, 35, has taken to the ice just 30 times in the last three years, including none in 2020-21. He appeared in only four games in 2019-20, scoring one goal.
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Prior to that, Ladd was a regular 20-goal scorer, besting that mark six out of seven seasons from 2010-17.
In 950 career NHL games with the Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Blackhawks, Atlanta Thrashers, Winnipeg Jets and New York Islanders, Ladd totaled 249 goals with 289 assists and was a part of two Stanley Cup winners.
Opinions are split on Ladd making a comeback, but the Islanders cleared more cap space all the same. This move came on the heels of them trading defenseman Nick Leddy away earlier in the week.
–Field Level Media