Carolina ships Ladd to Chicago for Ruutu

This is a trade of wingers who have underachieved and the hope is a change of scenery will help the situation. The 6-foot, 200-pound Tuomo Ruutu, 25, is a pest and is at his best when he's getting under the skin of opponents. They key for Ruutu is to maintain discipline and not take stupid penalties. With six goals and 21 points in 60 games, he was falling short of matching his offensive production during his two other full seasons in Chicago (44 points in 2003-04 and 38 points last season).

Ladd, 22, 6-2 and 201 pounds, brings a bit more size on the wing. Both are due to be restricted free agents in the summer, Ruutu coming off of a $1.5 million deal this season and Ladd $984,200.