New York Islanders: Andrew Ladd isn’t expected back anytime soon

Andrew Ladd, who hasn’t played for the New York Islanders since November 13, isn’t expected to return to the team anytime soon.

At practice today we saw some things that we haven’t seen from the New York Islanders yet this year. Josh Ho-Sang got some action on the top unit, while Jordan Eberle sat out of practice due to stiffness.

Cal Clutterbuck still is banged up from his fall in Dallas, before the Christmas break and Andrew Ladd wasn’t on the ice either. Ladd not being out there wasn’t much of a surprise.

The last time Andrew Ladd suited up for the Islanders was on November 13 against Vancouver. He picked up an assist in 11:03 of ice time, after just playing 9:35 the game before, and that’s been it for Ladd who is suffering from a lower-body injury.

After practice today, Barry Trotz confirmed that Ladd is continuing to rehab off the ice and he hasn’t resumed skating just yet. He didn’t give a timetable for Ladd saying “He’ll be a while.”

When healthy, Ladd was okay for the Islanders this year. In just 14 games he produced seven points. At this point, the Isles would sign up for a half a point per game out of Andrew Ladd who has significantly underwhelmed in the first three seasons of a seven-year contract.

While Ladd being out is unfortunate for him, and the Islanders value on his contract, it has allowed opportunities for younger forwards which I’m always a fan of. Michael Dal Colle has seen some action on that line in two NHL games.

While Dal Colle quickly fizzled out, Josh Ho-Sang has stepped in and shown flashes of being an adequate winger. He looks much more improved defensively and he hasn’t turned the puck over nearly as much as he did last year.

Eventually, when Ladd is healthy, the Isles will be stuck between a rock and a hard place trying to decide who stays in the lineup. Unfortunately, Ladd’s $5.5 million cap hit will likely shoehorn him into the lineup again whether the young pups are performing or not.