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NHL Free Agency 2016 Rumors: Andrew Ladd signs seven-year deal with New York Islanders

By Dave Stevenson

Apr 23, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks left wing Andrew Ladd (16) with the puck during the first period in game six of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the St. Louis Blues at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks left wing Andrew Ladd (16) with the puck during the first period in game six of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the St. Louis Blues at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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According to a report, free agent forward Andrew Ladd has agreed to a seven-year deal with the New York Islanders.

Andrew Ladd, after spending the first 11 seasons of his career split between the Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Blackhawks, and Winnipeg Jets, entered free agency as one of the more coveted wings available. His tenure as the Jets captain surely helped his cause. With a multitude of suitors, Ladd has reportedly agreed to a seven-year deal with the New York Islanders according to Aaron Ward.

Ladd will bring his experience from his 11 NHL seasons and his two Stanley Cups to the Islanders and should help them replace Kyle Okposo. He doesn’t turn 31 until December and Ladd still has some good years left in him. His drop to 46 points in 2015-16, his lowest point total in a full season since 2009-10, appears a bit alarming, but perhaps Ladd was a bit distracted by his pending free agency with his future up in the air.

Fans should expect Ladd to bounce back and get to the 50-point plateau that fans have become accustomed to him reaching. He should be a nice fit alongside John Tavares and Brock Nelson, and it’s hard to imagine that the Islanders’ young forwards won’t benefit from Ladd’s wealth of wisdom.

However, seven years is a bit long for someone as old as Ladd. The first three years should be fine, but the remaining four could be ugly. If the Islanders win in the first three years, the contract should be worth it.

For more NHL Free Agency, check out our NHL hub page.

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