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New York Islanders: Top 5 Free Agents To Target

By Matthew Collins
Apr 21, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Blackhawks left wing Andrew Ladd (16) is seen during game five of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the St. Louis Blues at Scottrade Center. The Blackhawks won the game 4-3 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Billy Hurst-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Blackhawks left wing Andrew Ladd (16) is seen during game five of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the St. Louis Blues at Scottrade Center. The Blackhawks won the game 4-3 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Billy Hurst-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 23, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks left wing Andrew Ladd (16) with the puck during the first period in game six of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the St. Louis Blues at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks left wing Andrew Ladd (16) with the puck during the first period in game six of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the St. Louis Blues at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

Andrew Ladd

Position: Left Wing

Points: 46

Hits: 155

Andrew Ladd is a dime when it comes to teams looking for a veteran power forward with heart, integrity, talent and experience.

He has been through the ups in Chicago to the downs in Winnipeg. He won a Stanley Cup as a role player in the Windy City and served as captain for the lowly Jets. He truly has seen both ends of the spectrum in terms of a player’s career. This will undoubtedly add veteran experience to a fairly young Islanders core.

With Milan Lucic considered long gone from free agency, Andrew Ladd is now the best power forward available. Ladd’s point production may not be as tempting as that of Stamkos, Hall or Eriksson, but his valued experience will add to his already respectable offensive numbers.

At age 30 there is plenty of fuel left and wisdom to spare. His physical and gritty style of play has uncanny similarities to that of Okposo’s play. He ranks 70th in the league for hits but can still produce points at a fair pace. Just the fact that he buried 25 goals last season warrants enough attention.

Fortunately, the hard-working winger has caught the watchful eye of the Islanders, according to a recent report from Darren Dreger of TSN. 

Ladd will command a lot of cash come July 1st, so the Islanders must be careful to not overpay the talented commodity.

He is undoubtedly tempting… juts hopefully not enough for an arm and a leg.

Next: Jiri Hudler

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