Ottawa can't take Ladd's contract because there's three years left. If there was just one, then I'd say maybe, two years would be very unlikely, but three is just too long. Ladd is dead weight, money out, no production in. Ottawa will try to compete for a playoff spot this season, and definitely compete for a playoff spot next season. They can't have Ladds contract next season if they want to seriously compete. Ladd's contract will hamper a team for 3 years. It's also buyout proof, with all the signing bonus money. You can't buyout signing bonus money. Look for a team just starting a rebuild.

Sensibleguy is right on the mark. No one can afford to take on a 3 year bad contract whether it is Ladd or Seabrook. Even two year contracts are risky unless you can get one year of value from the player. Louie Eriksson contract being an exception as it is a $6 million hit with only $5 million to pay out over two years and Louie might be able to provide a million worth of performance before you buy him out next summer.