Thrashers name Ladd captain

The Atlanta Thrashers have named Andrew Ladd the eighth team captain in franchise history.

Ladd, acquired over the summer from the Chicago Blackhawks, leads the team with 7 goals and 18 points in 19 games.

"Andrew Ladd will be that guy," coach Craig Ramsay told the Atlanta Journal Constitution. "It's responsibility but he's well-respected. He has stepped up his commitment to himself to make sure he's ready to play every night and his commitment to the team has been so evident. He's earned that. I didn't know who to pick at the start of the season and he's earned that opportunity."

Ladd becomes the eighth captain in the NHL age 25 or younger, and the 11th age 26 or younger.

The Thrashers had been the only team without a captain. They hadn't had anyone wear the "C" since Ilya Kovalchuk was traded to the New Jersey Devils on Feb. 4.

"I just think he’s the right guy," Ramsay said. "I've seen lots of captains in my day but he's a well-respected person, which to me is absolutely vital in that role. I think it's a flaw if you just make your best player the captain. In this case, we picked the player that's played great. He's been our best player on many nights. He's been as committed a player as I've seen in a long time."

The team also announced defensemen Tobias Enstrom and Dustin Byfuglien will be alternate captains. Like Ladd, Byfuglien also came over from Chicago over the summer, but in a different deal.

Contact Adam Kimelman at akimelman@nhl.com