The New York Islanders have announced they have traded Nick Leddy to the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for a 2021 second-round pick and forward Richard Panik. Detroit is retaining 50% of Panik’s salary.
UPDATE: The Detroit #RedWings acquired D Nick Leddy from the New York Islanders in exchange for F Richard Panik and the 52nd selection (originally EDM) in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. pic.twitter.com/SNWmaoV14q
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) July 17, 2021
Nick Leddy Traded to Detroit
Nick Leddy has been a name involved in trades since the Islanders were eliminated from the playoffs. His $5.5 million contract was a tricky one now that New York needs to sign three restricted free agents. Anthony Beauvillier, Adam Pelech and Ilya Sorokin will not be cheap. Many were doubtful about a Leddy trade, given his slight decline over the past season but apparently, Detroit saw something on him.
The Red Wings get in Leddy a veteran presence and a good blue liner that can make a difference when needed. He was drafted 16th overall in 2009 by the Minnesota Wild and traded to the Chicago Blackhawks in 2010. He spent four seasons with the Blackhawks, helping the team win the Stanley Cup in 2010. On October 2014, Leddy was traded to the Island where he has been ever since.
He was an important piece for the Islanders in the seven seasons he spent with the team. Leddy was one of their best defenceman and a huge veteran presence for the team. He was one of their most important blueliners in the past two years, getting back-to-back appearances in the Conference Finals. It’s not going to be easy for them or their fans but letting him go was the best decision.
What Comes Next For The Islanders
In return for Leddy, the Islanders got Richard Panik, who scored 13 points in 48 games last season. Panik was traded by the Washington Capitals at this year’s trade deadline. Throughout his 11-year NHL career, he has played for the Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs, Chicago Blackhawks, Arizona Coyotes, Washington and Detroit. However, he is not the biggest star in this trade. With Detroit retaining 50% of his salary, New York has now opened little more than $4 million in cap space. A much-needed relief for their fans, who were thinking about what would need to be done to sign their free agents.
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