Andrew Ladd inks seven-year, $38.5 million deal with Islanders

As Kyle Okposo, Matt Martin and Fran Nielsen exit, Andrew Ladd will enter the New York Islanders fold after signing a seven-year, $38.5 million contract as free agency opened on Friday.

Once possible targets Taylor Hall and Steven Stamkos saw their futures set on Wednesday, the Islanders turned their sights to the 30-year-old forward.

Ladd and his wife were on Long Island Thursday to tour the Islanders’ new practice facility not far from the team’s old home at Nassau Coliseum. One day later he inks a deal that will likely put him next to John Tavares beginning next season.

The two-time Stanley Cup champion has scored at least 20 goals in four of the last five seasons between the Chicago Blackhawks and Atlanta Thrashers/Winnipeg Jets. That trend has a good chance of continuing should head coach Jack Capuano place him on the top line.

Ladd could have played out the next six years of his career in Winnipeg, but after reportedly turning down a $36 million extension over six years he was dealt to the Blackhawks at the trade deadline.