from Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun,

What the Jets ultimately decide to do with Ladd and Dustin Byfuglien is going to have long-lasting ramifications on the direction the franchise takes moving forward.

My view on Byfuglien — who will make $6 million this season and carry a cap hit of $5.2 million — hasn't changed. The expectation is that the Jets will continue to work on a new deal for the blue-liner as well.

For now, let's keep the focus on Ladd, who is coming off a season that saw him produce 24 goals and a career-high 62 points in 81 games.

Ladd's worth has always stretched well beyond the numbers but the impressive part of last season's totals was that he was playing through a sports hernia and not close to full health.

Despite playing through injury, Ladd was tied for 12th in points by a left-winger, even with Zach Parise of the Minnesota Wild.

The laundry list of Ladd's strong qualities as a player is a lengthy one, but it's his durability and consistency that are at the top of it....

So what's the hold up?

Ladd will turn 30 in December, so you can be sure he's looking to hit a home run with this deal.

It wouldn't be a surprise if his camp is looking for a seven- or eight-year deal worth north of $6 million per season.

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