The Islanders currently hold the best goals-against-average in the entire NHL, giving up just 2.18 goals per game. Nick Leddy, a key component of the Islanders defensive tandem, often takes flack due to his mediocre +/- rating and unconventional style of play.

The importance of six-year Islander Nick Leddy should not go unnoticed, and the explosive plays he brings on both ends of the ice should be recognized by Islanders faithful.

A Spark From the Defense

When thinking about the traditional NHL defenseman, a guy like Adam Pelech often comes to mind. He uses both his body and stick to shut down forwards, and does not often see himself on the scoresheet. While important for a teams’ system, classic defenseman do not always provide the spark that Nick Leddy can bring.

Looking back to 2015, Leddy created one of the biggest goals the Isles have scored in the past decade. He skated a full 90 feet past several Panthers, threw the puck on net, and allowed John Tavares to tie up Game 6 with under a minute remaining. This would not have been possible without Leddy’s ability to create something out of nothing.

Sharing is Caring

As a team that struggles with scoring goals, getting points to come from defensemen is crucial for the Islanders. Leddy, who is currently tied for most assists out of all East Division defensemen, provided assists on all three goals in the Islanders’ 4-3 loss against Philadelphia last Thursday.

The first two plays were identical, with Leddy using a mixture of speed and skill to break into the zone. In both cases, he cleared up wing space for goal scorers Dal Colle and Aho by drawing defenseman to him down the center. The ladder of the assists came when Leddy threaded the needle to Oliver Wahlstrom, truly showcasing his offensive prowess.

Within 1! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/eQnnm8MIKi

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) March 19, 2021

Out-skating the Competition

The NHLPA voted Leddy as the league’s third fastest skater in 2018 and he has not slowed down since. His blistering speed is not only put to use on the offensive end, however.

Leddy has stopped breakaways and odd-man rushes time and time again by simply skating faster than the opposition. He generates enough momentum to knock opponents off the puck, often without needed his stick. It is not worrisome when the forward has a step on him, because it is inevitable that he will quickly cover lost ground.

The Trotz Effect

Since Barry Trotz has taken over as head coach, Leddy’s game has undoubtedly improved. He was able to bump his NHL-worst -42 rating in 2017-2018 up to an even 0 the following season. In Trotz’s full tenure as coach, Leddy has stabilized to a +1. While this is significantly lower than Adam Pelech and Ryan Pulock, who are both +39, a positive rating is nothing to be ashamed of.

Nick Leddy is a high energy player, and fills an excellent role in Barry Trotz’s system. Before questioning his ability because he is not a stay-at-home defenseman, let’s recognize the importance Nick Leddy holds in the Islanders’ lineup.

John Smark