CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Blackhawks are hoping a reunion with Andrew Ladd will lead to another Stanley Cup title.
The Blackhawks acquired one of the top forwards on the trade market when they sent prospect Marko Dano and two draft picks to Winnipeg on Thursday night for Ladd, forward Matt Fraser and defenseman Jay Harrison.
Ladd likely will play on the left side of Chicago's top line, filling a giant hole created by the trade of Brandon Saad to Columbus last summer. Andrew Shaw had done a solid job in the role of late, but the trade for Ladd moves Shaw down to a lower line and creates more balance for the defending champions.
Fraser and Harrison will report to Rockford in the AHL.
The 30-year-old Ladd had 17 goals and 17 assists in 59 games for Winnipeg this season. He is eligible for unrestricted free agency this summer, possibly making this a short stay with Chicago so close to the salary cap.
"He brings so much to the table," general manager Stan Bowman said. "Just his competitiveness. He's a very versatile player. He's played a big role in Winnipeg the last few years there. On their team he does it all."
Ladd previously played for Chicago for two-plus seasons, helping the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup in 2010. He has 202 goals and 252 assists in 750 career games with three NHL teams.
The Blackhawks heralded Ladd's return on their Twitter account, posting "LADD IS BACK" along with a picture of the rugged forward. The deal also got a loud ovation when it was announced during Chicago's game against Nashville.
"The big thing for us is just the familiarity he has, not just with our coaching staff but our players," Bowman said. "I think he's maintained a friendship with a number of our players, and that's important."
Dano was acquired by Chicago in the Saad deal and the 21-year-old forward was regarded as one of the Blackhawks' top prospects. He had eight goals and 13 assists in 35 games with the Blue Jackets last season.
But the time is now for Chicago, and Dano had just one goal and one assist in a 13-game stint with the Blackhawks before he was sent down to Rockford on Dec. 11.
Winnipeg also acquired a first-round pick in this year's draft and a conditional pick in 2018 based on how Chicago does in the playoffs. It retained approximately 36 percent of Ladd's remaining salary in the deal.
The Blackhawks, trying for their fourth NHL title in the last seven seasons, might not be done. They could look to bolster their defense ahead of Monday's trade deadline.
"There's still a few days to go," Bowman said. "It's our job to continue to look and see if there's anything that makes sense to improve the team. If it doesn't change from where we are now, I really like the group we have."
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Jay Cohen can be reached at http://www.twitter.com/jcohenap