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Andrew Ladd visits Winnipeg in preparation for free agency

Andrew Ladd

Atlanta Thrashers’ Andrew Ladd (16) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the New York Rangers Thursday, April 7, 2011, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

AP

There are a ton of items on the docket for True North and new Winnipeg GM Kevin Cheveldayoff. From possibly putting together a new staff to finally coming up with a name for the team, everyone involved will undoubtedly have their hands full between now and the beginning of the season. But one of the most important efforts will center on their ability to re-sign captain Andrew Ladd.

Ladd is one of the best restricted players in what is shaping up to be a relatively weak free agent class. Any team would love to bring in a guy who can score around 30 goals, play with grit, and bring leadership to their locker room. At 25-years-old, the former #4 overall pick has already won a pair of Stanley Cups and has recently proven to be an extremely valuable player on and off the ice. What proof? Ask someone in Chicago if the Blackhawks missed Ladd’s contributions this season.

Even though he’d be a valuable addition to any NHL team, it would be a huge signing if the Winnipeg franchise was able to keep him in the fold. GM Cheveldayoff knows top line leaders are difficult to find—so he’ll do everything he can to keep the one they have in the mix. For those in Manitoba looking for silver linings, Ladd has given people around the organization hope that he’ll be willing to make the move with the rest of the team.

New Winnipeg GM Kevin Cheveldayoff explained to the Chicago Sun-Times:

“Ladd planned the trip (to Winnipeg) and came on his own. He wanted to look around. His fiancé was with him and his agent. He took the initiative himself… He’s got a busy summer, but he took the time to check out the market himself. It says a lot about his character.”

Ladd taking the time to personally check out the area is a positive sign for a team that needs to keep him in the fold. As important as he was to the Thrashers last season, Ladd’s situation is much more important than his career high 29 goals and 59 points. The signing would prove to be symbolic for the franchise as well. One of the major concerns for True North is the ability to attract big-name free agents to the Winnipeg market. If they are unable to attract future free agents to the arena, it won’t matter how much money they are willing to spend to bring in newcomers. Then again, millions of dollars has a way of convincing most athletes in the midst of free agency.

Assuming Winnipeg is able to retain Andrew Ladd, it could symbolize a new era in Winnipeg hockey. One of the major problems for the Winnipeg Jets was they were unable to attract the highest quality free agents. A stronger Canadian dollar should help their cause—but the capitol of Manitoba will never be confused for a cosmopolitan metropolis like many of the competing markets in the Northeast. By retaining their captain, the market would immediately prove they are capable of signing desirable free agents. Ladd’s signing could show that players want to play in Manitoba.

Obviously, the restricted Ladd and the new organization will work to get a deal done—but touring the market on his own is the first positive step for Winnipeg.