Canes ink Ladd

On Tuesday, the Hurricanes finally came to terms with 2004 first round pick Andrew Ladd. Ladd signed a three-year deal that will pay him $688,940 at the NHL level this season and next, plus $984,200 in 2007-08. These are the maximum allowable salaries for rookies drafted in 2004. He also receives a signing bonus of $590,520. Additionally, he has $850k worth of performance bonuses written into the contract. If he should end up being sent to Lowell, he will make $70,300.

The 19-year-old had a sensational rookie tournament outing, scoring seven points (4G, 3A) in four games. He's been sidelined with a rib injury that he sustained in the Canes first pre-season game. Only two preseason games remain, and it's uncertain if he'll play. My guess is that no matter what happens in those two games, Ladd will begin the season at Lowell. If we have an injury and/or Ladd shines in Lowell, he'll get the call-up pretty early.

Either way, it's great news that we finally got him signed. I'm hoping that we get to see him sooner than later, but at the same time, I hope we don't rush him.

Now that this is out of the way, I hope we can get "the other Andrew" (Hutchinson) signed. He's been nothing short of spectacular thus far in the pre-season.

On a housekeeping note, I'd like to welcome "Odd Man Rush" and "The Puck Stops Here" to the red and black hockey blogroll. Also, I've eliminated the Eklund link.