Things are about to get tricky on Long Island as Arthur Staple of The Athletic
has reported that both Cal Clutterbuck and Andrew Ladd are set to return from injury much sooner than anyone had anticipated.
Clutterbuck, who was suffering from a stress fracture, two herniated discs and two fractured vertebrae, seems to have been given the green light to attend Isles training camp.
Ladd, on the other hand, was suffering from a torn ACL that he suffered in a win over the Coyotes on March 24th, an injury that has sidelined the veteran winger for over 5 months. It is not clear whether the 33 year-old will be given the nod by the Isles medical staff to begin training camp, but his progress is encouraging.
One thing that is not encouraging, however, is the number of one-way contracts the Islanders are carrying (25) into this season, which could delay the arrival of youngsters Oliver Wahlstrom, Josh Ho-Sang, Otto Koivula and Kieffer Bellows, yet again.
With the Islanders looking to build on a successful 2018-2019 season, one would have to wonder whether the delay of the infusion of some more youth into this lineup is due to a lack of trust in their abilities or just a showing of faith in a veteran group who led the Islanders past the Pens and into the 2nd round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs this past season.
With only 23 roster spots available on opening night, the Islanders are facing some difficult decisions over the next month.
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