Islanders' Andrew Ladd to miss four to five months with torn ACL
Islanders left wing Andrew Ladd limps to the bench after a collision during the third period against the Coyotes at NYCB Live's Nassau Coliseum on Sunday. Credit: Jim McIsaac
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Lou Lamoriello would not comment on the long-range implications of Andrew Ladd’s latest injury, a season-ending torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. But the organization must wonder about Ladd’s ability to complete a seven-year, $38.5-million deal that runs through 2023.
The Islanders president and general manager said on Tuesday Ladd will undergo surgery this week and miss up to five months after being hurt late in the third period of Sunday’s 2-0 win over the Coyotes at NYCB Live’s Nassau Coliseum. Lamoriello expects Ladd to be ready for the start of training camp in September.
“It’s not good news but it’s part of the game,” Lamoriello said.
Ladd, 33, also missed 44 games this season from Nov. 15-Feb. 23 with an injured right leg, believed to be a knee injury, and all of preseason and the first three games of the season with presumed back tightness.
Ladd had three goals and eight assists in 26 games and it may be difficult for him to play with the requisite speed on two bad knees. The Islanders would only save $666,667 against the salary cap through 2023 by buying him out, per capfriendly.com. Ladd’s cap hit would only be reduced from $5.5 million to $4.475 million if he clears waivers and is sent to Bridgeport.
Lamoriello said he was not planning to recall a forward from Bridgeport, seemingly closing the door on Josh Ho-Sang contributing to the playoff push.
Rookie Michael Dal Colle, a healthy scratch the previous eight games, logged 15:09 with three shots in Ladd’s spot on the second line.
“His first game back he did a real good job of fitting in that hole,” coach Barry Trotz said.
Isles files
Undrafted free agent F Bobo Carpenter, the son of former NHLer Bobby Carpenter, agreed to a two-year, two-way, entry-level contract that begins in 2019-20 after four seasons at Boston University. Carpenter, 22, will likely join Bridgeport for the remainder of this season on an amateur tryout offer…RW Oliver Wahlstrom, the 11th overall pick in 2018, is leaving Boston College after one season. It’s not clear whether he’ll join the Islanders’ organization or play in Europe next season.
Andrew Gross joined Newsday in 2018 to cover the Islanders. He began reporting on the NHL in 2003 and has previously covered the Rangers and Devils. Other assignments have included the Jets, St. John’s and MLB.
