Chicago has begun its fire sale, trading Tuomo Ruutu to the Hurricanes for Andrew Ladd.

Two former first rounders are swapped for one another, as Ruutu was picked ninth overall in 2001 and Ladd was drafted fourth overall in 2004.

Neither has turned into much of a producer so far in the NHL, but I like what I've seen from Ladd, who is still just 22 years old and a tough competitor. Ruutu, meanwhile, has managed just 21 points this season despite the fact he's had plenty of opportunities with the Blackhawks, and at 25 might be running out of chances.

I'm actually not quite sure why Carolina made this move now.

Both players make approximately $1.8-million this season and are restricted free agents this summer.

Luke DeCock from The News & Observer has more.


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