It started back in 2017-2018 for Nick Leddy.  His minus-42 was the worst rating in the NHL.  Then last year, he had his second lowest point output since the lockout shortened 2012-2013 season.  He also finished with an even plus minus on the best defensive team in the league.  Average at best.  The trade rumors began to circulate.
Somehow during these bad seasons, Islanders fans overlooked his tremendous speed, his ability to quarterback a power-play and his chemistry with defensive stalwart Johnny Boychuk.  Last Friday night’s game against Ottawa was a reminder of what Leddy brings to the table every night.

He had two goals and assist.  Both of his goals were created by his speed.  The second came in the form of a penalty shot, the first defenseman in Islanders history to score in this manner.  The assist was originally credited to him as a goal but it was determined that Matt Martin redirected the shot.
“He’s underappreciated around the league,” said Islanders head coach Barry Trotz.  “He’s such a great skater, he’s the fastest on the team.”

Leddy has two goals and three assists in 10 games this season.  He’s also a plus 5.  Friday night padded his stats a bit, but he’s been a large part of the early season success.
This follows all the trade rumors.  For the past two seasons, Leddy seemed like the perfect trade candidate.  His $5.5 million cap hit is one of the highest on the team.  It didn’t seem worth it to pay a top pair defenseman that money if he only put up between 25 and 35 points and barely put up an even plus minus.  With the emergence of Adam Pelech, Scott Mayfield, Ryan Pulock and now Noah Dobson, he seemed expendable.
Another team was in a similar situation this summer: the Winnipeg Jets.  They had many young players demanding raises so they subtracted from their abundant pool of defensemen to clear cap space.  Jacob Trouba was traded to the Rangers, and Tyler Myers signed with the Vancouver Canucks.  Safe to say they are not doing so well.
The Islanders run the risk of being in a similar situation next year, and it’s imperative that they learn from the Jets’ mistake.  Having an abundance of good defensemen is a blessing, and they ought to find a way to retain Mat Barzal and other RFAs next summer without trading away Leddy.
It can certainly be done.  The Islanders will be spending $64,719,167 on contracts before paying any UFAs or RFAs.  Barzal will likely receive a contract between $8-9M, bringing that previous number up to around $73,219,167.  The Islanders can afford to give other RFAs Devon Toews and Ryan Pulock contracts of ~$3M and ~$5.5M respectively.  Leo Komarov, who only must submit a 7 team no-trade list and Thomas Hickey should  be candidates to be traded if cap space is needed.

Recency bias will always keep Leddy’s past two seasons fresh in fans’ heads.  Overlooking his three straight 40+ point seasons, +18 rating in 2014-2015, 21:54 aTOI in six seasons in NY, and all his other accolades and talents is an injustice to a top-25 defenseman in this league.  If the Islanders stage another playoff run this spring, Nick Leddy will be a huge part of it.

Ben Baruch

Born and raised on Long Island. Isles fan since 2009. Studying journalism at the University of Maryland, College Park.