By WFAN.com
After the Islanders stayed quiet at the trade deadline, they said they hoped the returns of left wing Andrew Ladd and defenseman Thomas Hickey from lengthy injuries would provide the same kind of spark that acquiring players from other teams might.
But as it turns out, they're losing Ladd again -- this time for the rest of the season.
Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello announced Tuesday that Ladd suffered a torn ACL on Sunday against the Arizona Coyotes and will miss five months or so. He is expected to undergo surgery this week but be ready for training camp in September.
"It's unfortunate," coach Barry Trotz told reporters. "I thought he started playing really well for us. Next-man-up mentality -- that's what you do. Wish him the best in terms of recovery. He's a hard worker. He'll get back to where he needs to be."
Ladd, 33, missed 44 games earlier this season with a lower-body injury before returning last month.
In 26 games this season, he had three goals and eight assists.
The Islanders, who play at Columbus on Tuesday night, are 44-25-7 and tied for second place in the Metropolitan Division, one point behind the Washington Capitals.
