New York Islanders Could Get Boost From Andrew Ladd

The New York Islanders tried to add some scoring before the trade deadline closed. While the Isles winded up not adding anyone this past week, they could get a boost from Andrew Ladd.

The New York Islanders have been playing winning hockey this season from overall relentless team defense and great goaltending. The Isles would like to increase their scoring, which is ranked 20th, as well as their power play efficiency (ranked 24th overall).

Andrew Ladd could be one of several factors that could improve the Islanders offensive production.

Ladd is Back

Ladd has been out since mid-November due to injury. Quietly Ladd has played well (3 Goals, 9 Points, +3, 16 Games) under Barry Trotz.

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When Ladd was out for two-plus months the Islanders filled the void with Michael Dal Colle, Josh Ho-Sang, and Tom Kuhnhackl. While all of them contributed, offensive numbers from this trio were not overwhelming.

Ladd knows how to score goals. The 33-year old winger has 248 career goals. If he can stay healthy Ladd is a veteran that can play a two-way game and give the Isles an offensive a boost.

Ladd has fit in nicely with fellow veterans Valtteri Filppula and Leo Komarov. The Isles third line has the ability to give the Islanders the secondary scoring they need while playing both ends of the ice. This veteran group could quietly be difference makers for the Isles the rest of the way.

Strength in Numbers

If the Isles are going to improve their scoring prowess, while sticking to their team defense DNA, it’s going to come from strength in numbers. Ladd is one source that can help improve the team’s goal-scoring numbers.

There are a few others on the Islanders roster if they could up their offensive game a bit it could make a huge difference for the blue and orange.

First and foremost, Jordan Eberle comes to mind. Playing with Anders Lee and Brock Nelson, Eberle’s numbers are a bit lacking (13 Goals, 30 Points, 59 Games).

Another boost could come from the Mathew Barzal, Josh Bailey, and Anthony Beauvillier line. If this line can be with more consistency it should help jump the Isles offensive numbers as well.

Keep an eye on Ladd. This veteran knows his strengths and knows how to put the puck in the net. If he can stay healthy he can be the trade deadline acquisition that Lou Lamoriello was looking for.