WINNIPEG — Former Winnipeg Jets captain Andrew Ladd is set to make his return to MTS Centre three weeks after being traded to the Chicago Blackhawks.
Following a pre-game skate, several of Ladd’s former teammates started the ribbing early.
Ladd told reporters he was expecting the trash talk from Byfuglien.
“I already told him I have an elbow coming for him, so he might end up with a bloody nose,”Ladd joked about what he plans to do to Byfuglien.
Other players are eager to face off against Ladd.
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“I’m sure there will be some things said back and forth and it should be a fun night,” said Jets forward Blake Wheeler.
Ladd was traded to Chicago, a team he won a Stanley Cup with, on Feb. 25. In the deal, Winnipeg Jets got forward Marko Dano from the Blackhawks and the Hawks first round draft pick this year as well as a conditional pick in the 2018 NHL draft.
Prior to the trade Winnipeg Jets fans gave the team’s captain a standing ovation. He acknowledged Friday night’s game will feel different.
“When you spend that much time…it’s going to be a little weird to play against friends on the other side,” Ladd said on Friday morning.