from Gary Lawless of the Winnipeg Free Press,

Andrew Ladd is a proud man. It’s a big part of what makes him the hockey player he is. And while his words say it’s all business, the fact he’s even willing to discuss his contract status right now reveals it’s become personal to him.

I approached Ladd following Thursday’s morning skate expecting to get a quick, "no comment," upon asking him if he was prepared to shut down contract negotiations with the Winnipeg Jets once the regular season began.

"It’s certainly something I have to consider," said Ladd, looking me in the eye and not bristling a bit at the question. "My contract and the business part of things can’t become a distraction to me or to my teammates. So setting it aside once the season starts is something we’ll (Ladd and his agents) have to discuss."

This is Andrew Ladd sending a message, saying he’s had enough. For Ladd to say this aloud, he has to be angry and disappointed. It constitutes a threat: sign me now or prepare for the unknown.

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