16 Andrew Ladd LW

Islanders' Andrew Ladd: Making season debut

Ladd is expected to occupy a bottom-six role Saturday, skating with Valtteri Filppula and Leo Komarov on the Islanders' third line. The 32-year-old winger notched 12 goals and 29 points in 73 games last campaign.

Islanders' Andrew Ladd: Targeting Saturday return

The Islanders already demoted Tanner Fritz to the minors, which opens up a spot on the 23-man roster for Ladd to be taken off injured reserve. Based on practice lines, the winger is slated to play alongside Valtteri Filppula and Leo Komarov on the third line. Last season, the 32-year-old Ladd averaged 1:44 of ice time with the power play and could certainly resume that role once he is back to 100 percent.

Islanders' Andrew Ladd: Nearing return

Head coach Barry Trotz still hasn't committed to a timetable as far as when Ladd will return to the lineup. Trotz did state that Ladd will need to get a few more practices under his belt before a decision is made about his return, though. With the Islanders only playing one game in the next seven days, they may elect to wait until Oct. 17 in Anaheim before plugging Ladd back into the lineup.

Islanders' Andrew Ladd: Remains sidelined

Ladd logged his first practice in almost two weeks Thursday, so he's definitely making progress in his rehab, but the Islanders will likely take a cautious approach with his recovery. His next opportunity to make his season debut will come Monday against San Jose, but next Saturday's matchup with Nashville seems like a more realistic target for his return to action.

Islanders' Andrew Ladd: Returns to practice

This is the first practice that Ladd has been a part of in almost two weeks. Although Ladd can be activated from injured reserve at any time, head coach Barry Trotz stated Wednesday that there is no chance that Ladd will play Thursday. That would mean the earliest Ladd could return to the lineup is Saturday against visiting Nashville.