Andrew Ladd Retires: Former Islander Calls It A Career

Following a 16-year career in the NHL, former New York Islanders forward Andrew Ladd announced his retirement from the league on Sunday on his personal Twitter account.

pic.twitter.com/pyeztQidFw

— Andrew Ladd (@aladd16) September 10, 2023

“The time has come for my next chapter,” Ladd wrote. “When I was a kid, I never thought I had a chance to make a living playing hockey. There was my love for the game. I loved being a part of a team, I loved competing, I loved the next chance to win, I loved the challenge, I loved the escape of immersing myself in the moment, I loved the feeling of belonging, I loved the confidence it gave me, I love proving people wrong.”

Ladd called it a career after playing 1,001 games in the NHL, totaling 550 points with 256 goals.

In the summer of 2016, Ladd signed with the Islanders as a free agent and was a central piece of the team during his time with them. However, midway through his seven-year contract, Ladd tore his ACL and was limited to just 55 games throughout the rest of his career. In July of 2021, the Islanders traded Ladd to the Arizona Coyotes, ending his run on Long Island after four years.

Prior to joining the Islanders, Ladd served as the captain of the Atlanta Thrashers/Winnipeg Jets from 2010-2016. Originally drafted fourth overall in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft by the Carolina Hurricanes, Ladd was a part of Carolina’s 2006 Stanley Cup championship team during his rookie season and eventually won another Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2010.

In 65 career playoff games, Ladd posted 18 points with nine goals.

Follow Andrew Fantucchio on Twitter: @A_Fantucchio