Andrew Ladd expected back in Islanders' lineup vs. Blue Jackets

Andrew Ladd of the Islanders skates against the Blue Jackets at NYCB Live's Nassau Coliseum on March 11. Credit: Jim McIsaac

The Islanders needed to find out two things when they re-assigned Andrew Ladd to their AHL affiliate in Bridgeport. The first was whether the left wing was healthy coming off injuries to both knees last season. The second was whether he could still be a viable NHL player.

“I think that was probably the order,” Islanders coach Barry Trotz said on Sunday after practice in East Meadow, Ladd’s first with the team since being recalled on Saturday with Cal Clutterbuck out indefinitely. “You’ve got to, A, go down there and get your confidence being healthy. Then, the next…