Source: Ladd receives qualifying offer

Updated: June 27, 2010, 5:08 PM ET
By Jesse Rogers | ESPNChicago.com

The Chicago Blackhawks extended a qualifying offer to restricted free-agent winger Andrew Ladd, according to a source, a day before Monday's deadline.

Ladd joins goaltender Antti Niemi and defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson as other Blackhawks' restricted free agents who received qualifying offers. By extending the offers, the Blackhawks have right of first refusal if another team tries to sign them away from Chicago.

Jordan Hendry is now the Blackhawks' only restricted free agent without a qualifying offer. A source said while Hendry didn't get a qualifying offer, the Blackhawks are in talks to re-sign him.

If restricted free agents don't receiver a qualifying offer by Monday, they become unrestricted free agents on July 1.

Chicago, which won its first Stanley Cup since 1961 this season, traded Dustin Byfuglien to the Atlanta Thrashers in a multiplayer deal on Wednesday in another cost-cutting move.

Jesse Rogers covers the Blackhawks for ESPNChicago.com.

Jesse Rogers | email

Chicago Cubs beat reporter
Jesse joined ESPN Chicago in September 2009 and covers the Chicago Cubs for ESPNChicago.com and ESPN Radio 1000.

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