Minnesota Native Nick Leddy Traded To Islanders
Former Wild draft pick Nick Leddy was traded from the Chicago Blackhawks to the New York Islanders today.
Eden Prairie, MN native and University of Minnesota alumni Nick Leddy was traded by the Chicago Blackhawks to the New York Islanders this afternoon.
Leddy, who played high school hockey for the Eden Prairie Eagles, earned the honors of Minnesota Mr. Hockey in his senior season. The offensive-defenseman was highly touted for his puck moving skills entering the 2009 NHL draft.
As you may recall, Leddy was originally drafted 16th overall by the Minnesota Wild in the 2009 NHL entry draft. His time with the Wild was short-lived; however, as his rights were traded to the Blackhawks for Cam Barker before ever stepping on NHL ice. Barker never quite found his home in Minnesota. The draft choice left many Minnesotans scratching their heads, as enigmatic Prior Lake forward Jordan Schroeder, who was among the top North American prospects in that draft, fell to the Vancouver Canucks.
Leddy went on to play 4 seasons with the Blackhawks, twice posting 30+ point seasons and playing all 82 games last year. At 23-years-old, his puck moving style never quite materialized on a defensively stacked Chicago squad.
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Leddy’s trade will get the Blackhawks under the cap with around $800,000 to spare per Capgeek. It will also bolster the Isle’s defense, which has been lacking in recent years. The Islanders also acquired Johnny Boychuck from the Boston Bruins.
The Blackhawks will recieve prospects T.J. Brennan, Ville Pokka, and the rights to Anders Nilsson. Nilsson is a restricted free agent currently playing for AK Bars of the KHL. Leddy will be a restricted free agent following this season. The Islanders also received minor league goalie Kent Simpson.
There had been speculation that Nick Leddy would ultimately be traded in a move to get the Blackhawks under the salary cap, leaving some Minnesotans to believe he’d be traded to the Wild. Although Leddy has potential, the Wild are stacked at defense and I’d rather see the prospects get a chance.
What do you think, Wild fans? Are you happy for our native son? Do you feel this takes away some of Chicago’s prowess? Let us know in the comments below!