When talking about potential unrestricted free agents, names like Steven Stamkos and Kyle Okposo are usually the first ones to come up. But only a handful of teams have a realistic shot at landing the two most desired free agents in 2016.
For the teams who strike out on Stamkos and Okposo, there are other players, like Andrew Ladd, who could fit the bill. As per TSN’s Darren Dreger, there are no shortage of potential suitors for Ladd’s services.
According to Dreger, the Islanders, Preds, Bolts and Canadiens are just four of the many teams that would like to bring in Ladd.
Islanders, Nashville, Tampa Bay, Montreal...among the many with interest in Andrew Ladd. When Stamkos decision is made the next wave hits.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 29, 2016
Each of the four teams mentioned appear to be great fits for Ladd. The Islanders will likely lose Okposo in free agency, Nashville and Montreal could certainly use more scoring and the Lightning could use another scorer if Stamkos walks in free agency.
Ladd spent the 2015-16 season with the Jets and ‘Hawks. He scored 25 goals and 46 points in 78 games. It’s the fifth time in six years that he hit the 20-goal mark (he had 18 during the 2012-13 lockout-shortened season).
The 30-year-old had a quiet postseason, as he scored just one goal and one assist in the Blackhawks’ opening round loss to the St. Louis Blues.
The main question with Ladd isn’t the dollar amount, but the term. Giving a 30-year-old a six or seven year deal (especially one who plays a physical style like Ladd) is always risky.
Related:
--UFA of the day: Andrew Ladd