It has been a rough start to the season for St. Louis Blues defenceman Nick Leddy. The 15-year veteran has struggled to start the season and now finds himself on injured reserve. However, Blues fans should not lose faith in the veteran defenceman.
Rough Start
The Blues have had a good start to their season, going 4-2-0 in their first six games. Furthermore, the defencemen have stepped up in a big way. Newcomer Philip Broberg started the season with a five-game point streak. Meanwhile, Justin Faulk has only been on the ice for one goal against on five-on-five play, while veteran Ryan Suter is showing that despite being bought out twice, he still has value. Broberg is showing the Blues may have a long-term solution on defence. Faulk is playing like the X-Factor we knew he could be. Suter is simply showing Father Time is not at his doorstep yet.
Unfortunately for Leddy, he has not shared the same success as his fellow defencemen. He has struggled in the defensive zone, giving up the puck. Some of those turnovers have ended up in the back of the Blues net. To add injury to insult, Leddy is now on injured reserve with a lower-body injury. Naturally, many were frustrated by the veteran’s rough start. Prior to the injury, some suggested replacing Leddy in the lineup.
Leddy’s Blues Resume Speaks For Itself
However, fans should not be dismissing Leddy just yet. While his start to the season has left little to praise, Leddy has been a reliable defenceman his entire career. Furthermore, he has been one of the Blues most consistent defenceman since joining the team in 2022.
In his two full seasons with the Blues, Leddy has averaged about 22 minutes of time on the ice, while averaging less than a penalty per game. To give this some perspective, Leddy is on the ice about 36% of the time in a 60-minute game. By averaging less than a penalty per game, that means Leddy does not go to the penalty box. A player cannot help his team if he is in the penalty box. In addition, Leddy has had this success despite the Blues struggling as a team. In two years that featured an injured Justin Faulk, a struggling Torey Krug, and Colton Parayko doing his best Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde impersonation, Leddy has clearly been the Blues best defenceman.
We have seen that discipline continue into this season so far. In four games, Leddy has yet to receive any penalties. Furthermore, he is averaging about 22 minutes a game. Despite the slow start, Leddy has been doing some things as well as he usually does. In past seasons, when Leddy is on the ice, the Blues average two goals a game. While those numbers have not replicated into this season yet, if Leddy can stay on the ice, we will see an increase in goals when he is on the ice.
Has Leddy Been Healthy?
It is fair to wonder if Leddy has been 100% in the four games he played in prior to being placed on injured reserve. We know NHL players have no reservations about playing despite being injured. Leddy’s play this season has been described as someone who looks out of place in the defensive zone. Could Leddy have negatively regressed that much from last season without an outlying factor? He is 33-years old. Father Time will catch up to him sooner rather than later. However, it seems far-fetched to think these struggles are a result of age alone.
It is more likely that Leddy has been playing hurt. As such, the Leddy we have seen has not been a 100% Leddy. If Leddy’s lacklustre play is a result of an injury, than this stint on the injured reserve is coming at the right time. Leddy will be out of action for at least seven days. That could be enough time for him to heal and return 100%. Regardless of when he comes back, he should be in better shape to play.
Have Faith in Leddy, St. Louis Fans
Leddy has never been the flashiest player on the ice. However, he has always been reliable and consistent. Fans should not forget Leddy’s value after just four games. Have faith that when Leddy returns, we will be seeing the Leddy we are used to seeing. Fans should give him to opportunity to remind everyone of the player he is. If he comes back and the struggles continue, then we can revisit this conversation. Until then, have faith in Nick Leddy!
Main Photo Credit: Jeff Le-USA TODAY Sports
