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Understanding Andrew Ladd`s Contract: Impact, Analysis, and Future Outlook

Andrew Ladd has had a long and productive career as a professional hockey player, winning two Stanley Cups and playing for six different teams in the NHL. However, his recent performance and salary have raised questions about the value of his contract, which he signed in 2016 with the New York Islanders. In this article, we will examine the details of Ladd`s contract, its impact on the team, his analysis of his play, and his future outlook.

The Contract

Ladd`s contract with the Islanders is a seven-year deal worth $38.5 million, with an average annual value (AAV) of $5.5 million. The contract includes a modified no-trade clause, which allows Ladd to submit a list of 15 teams that he cannot be traded to, and a no-movement clause, which means he cannot be sent to the minors or waived without his consent. The contract also includes signing bonuses and a front-loaded structure, which means that Ladd received most of his salary in the first four years of the contract.

Impact

Ladd`s contract had a significant impact on the Islanders` salary cap and roster flexibility, as they had to allocate a large portion of their cap space to a veteran forward who was already in his 30s. This limited their ability to sign other free agents or retain some of their younger players, such as Anders Lee and Jordan Eberle, who were also due for new contracts. Ladd`s production on the ice also declined significantly after he signed the contract, as he scored only 23 goals and 36 assists in 177 games over three seasons with the Islanders.

Analysis

Ladd`s declining production and injury history have made his contract a liability for the Islanders, who have been trying to trade him or buy out his contract. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and the flat salary cap have made it harder for the Islanders to make such moves, as they would incur significant cap penalties and dead money. Ladd himself has acknowledged his struggles and expressed his willingness to help the team in whatever role he can, but his playing time and role have diminished as the Islanders have relied more on their young players and their defensive system rather than their offense.

Future Outlook

Ladd`s future with the Islanders remains unclear, as he might become a candidate for a buyout or a trade in the upcoming offseason if the Islanders can find a willing partner. If he stays with the team, he might have to accept a reduced salary and role, or he might be bought out after the 2021-2022 season, when his contract will have only two years left. Alternatively, Ladd could retire or join another team in the NHL or overseas, as he has expressed interest in playing for Canada in the Olympics and has connections to several other teams in the league.

Conclusion

Andrew Ladd`s contract with the New York Islanders has become a cautionary tale for teams that sign veteran players to long-term deals with large cap hits and no-trade clauses. While Ladd was a valuable player for the Islanders early in his career, his contract has become a burden for the team and a source of criticism for the fans and the media. Ladd and the Islanders will have to find a way to navigate this situation with dignity and respect, as they try to achieve their shared goal of winning a Stanley Cup.