‘I can’t wait to shoot a puck at him’: Winnipeg Jets players prepare to face off against Andrew Ladd

WINNIPEG — Former Winnipeg Jets captain Andrew Ladd is set to make his return to MTS Centre three weeks after being traded to the Chicago Blackhawks.

Following a pre-game skate, several of Ladd’s former teammates started the ribbing early.

Ladd told reporters he was expecting the trash talk from Byfuglien.

“I already told him I have an elbow coming for him, so he might end up with a bloody nose,”Ladd joked about what he plans to do to Byfuglien.

Share this on X Click to share quote on X: "I already told him I have an elbow coming for him, so he might end up with a bloody nose,"Ladd joked about what he plans to do to Byfuglien.

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Other players are eager to face off against Ladd.

WATCH: How Andrew Ladd’s trade will impact local charities:

1:30 Andrew Ladd trade means more than losing a captain; trade felt by Winnipeg charities

“I’m sure there will be some things said back and forth and it should be a fun night,” said Jets forward Blake Wheeler.

Ladd was traded to Chicago, a team he won a Stanley Cup with, on Feb. 25. In the deal, Winnipeg Jets got forward Marko Dano from the Blackhawks and the Hawks first round draft pick this year as well as a conditional pick in the 2018 NHL draft.

Prior to the trade Winnipeg Jets fans gave the team’s captain a standing ovation. He acknowledged Friday night’s game will feel different.

“When you spend that much time…it’s going to be a little weird to play against friends on the other side,” Ladd said on Friday morning.