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Nick Leddy
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Nicholas Michael Leddy (born March 20, 1991) is an American professional ice hockey player who is a defenseman for the San Jose Barracuda of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted in the first round, 16th overall, by the Minnesota Wild in the 2009 NHL entry draft. He previously played for the Chicago Blackhawks, New York Islanders, Detroit Red Wings and St. Louis Blues. He won a Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks in 2013.
Key Information
Playing career
[edit]Amateur and NHL draft
[edit]After a solid sophomore year at Eden Prairie High School, Leddy recorded 5 goals and 22 assists for a total of 27 points in his junior year. These numbers propelled Leddy to second-team all-Metro and earned him an honorable mention for all-state honors in Minnesota. The USA Hockey National Team Development Program (U.S. NTDP) and USA Hockey acknowledged Leddy as one of the best young players in the nation, but instead of heading to Ann Arbor, Michigan, to join the U.S. NTDP, Leddy chose to finish his high school career with his teammates, and returned to Eden Prairie for his senior year. Leddy posted 12 goals and 33 assists for a total of 45 points during that 2008–09 season, earning him the prestigious Minnesota "Mr. Hockey" award and the title of Metro Player of the Year by the Minneapolis Star-Tribune en route to a state title win over Moorhead High School.[1] In addition, the Associated Press named Leddy to first-team all-state. Leddy was also awarded a position on the Class AA all-state tournament team.
As a freshman at the University of Minnesota in 2009–10, Leddy scored a power-play goal in a 6–1 rout of the University of British Columbia in his NCAA debut.[2] However, shortly afterward, Leddy suffered a broken jaw against University of Alaska Anchorage on October 30, 2009.[3] This injury caused Leddy to miss eight early-season games. When he returned to the lineup Leddy scored his first career goal in his second game back in a win at Minnesota State University on December 5, 2009.[4] In early January 2010, Leddy collected an assist in each game of the Golden Gophers' rout of Harvard University, and soon followed up with two more assists against Alaska Anchorage later in the month. He was named WCHA Rookie of the Week after a three-point game against Colorado College on February 20, 2010, scoring the game-winning goal with two assists. Shortly after having his NHL draft rights traded from Minnesota to Chicago on February 12, 2010, Leddy heated up in February, tallying four assists, five points, 21 shots on goal and a plus-4 rating for the month. He carried that momentum into March, scoring yet another power-play goal against the University of Wisconsin on March 7, 2010. Leddy ultimately was named the team's Rookie of the Year after playing 30 games and ranking third among the team's defensemen in points with 11.[5] He led the team in plus/minus (plus-6), all while maintaining excellent discipline on the ice: Leddy committed just two penalties all season. The Golden Gophers were 7–1 when Leddy had at least one point.
Leddy was drafted in the first round, 16th overall by the Minnesota Wild in the 2009 NHL entry draft. On February 12, 2010, the Minnesota Wild traded Leddy's NHL rights to the Chicago Blackhawks, along with Kim Johnsson in exchange for Cam Barker.[6] University of Minnesota head coach Don Lucia stated in September 2009 that he foresaw Leddy spending at least two years in development with the Golden Gophers before making his transition to the NHL and a professional career.[2]
Professional (2010–present)
[edit]Chicago Blackhawks (2010–2014)
[edit]
On July 27, 2010, it was reported by the Chicago Tribune that the Blackhawks had agreed to terms on a three-year, $2.7 million contract with defenseman Nick Leddy, who was to turn professional and leave the University of Minnesota after playing one season, according to his agent, Neil Sheehy. "[Leddy] is really smooth out there and I think he's going to be a Blackhawk for many years," Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman said July 12 at the conclusion of the Hawks' Prospects Camp.[7]
Leddy played his first NHL game in the 2010–11 season opener on October 7, 2010, in a 4–3 OT loss against the Colorado Avalanche and scored his first NHL goal four days later on October 11, against Ryan Miller of the Buffalo Sabres where the Blackhawks would go on to defeat the Sabres 4–3. On March 20, 2011, Leddy's 20th birthday, Leddy recorded his first career assist on a goal by Duncan Keith in a 2–1 win over the Phoenix Coyotes.[8] After ending the 2010–11 season, his rookie season in the NHL, with the defending Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks narrowly making the playoffs as the eighth and final seed in the West and Leddy playing in 46 games with four goals, three assists and seven points, Leddy made his Stanley Cup playoff debut in the first game in the first round against the Presidents' Trophy-winning Vancouver Canucks on April 13. The defending Stanley Cup champion and eighth-seeded Blackhawks would eventually go on to lose to the Canucks in seven games with Leddy playing all seven games but being held pointless.
Leddy played all 82 games in the 2011–12 season with three goals, 34 assists and 37 points as the Blackhawks finished sixth in the West. On April 14, 2012, Leddy recorded his first career playoff assist and point with an assist on a goal scored by Brandon Bollig in a 4–3 OT win against the Phoenix Coyotes in game two of the first round of the 2012 playoffs. In game five a week later on April 21 where the Blackhawks defeated the Coyotes 2–1 in OT, Leddy scored his first career playoff goal against Coyotes goaltender Mike Smith.[9] The Blackhawks were defeated by the third-seeded Coyotes in six games in the first round of the 2012 playoffs and Leddy would finish the series with a goal and two assists for three points in all six games played.
After playing all 48 games with six goals, 12 assists and 18 points recorded in the lockout-shortened 2012–13 season to help the Blackhawks clinch the Presidents' Trophy as the regular season champions, he was a member of the Blackhawks team that won the Stanley Cup by defeating the Boston Bruins in six games in the 2013 Stanley Cup Finals. He ended the 2013 playoffs goalless with two assists and points in all 23 contests played.
On July 3, 2013, Leddy signed a two-year contract extension with the club. Leddy kept up his durability in the 2013–14 season by playing in all 82 games with seven goals, 24 assists and 31 points produced for the Blackhawks as the defending Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks finished fifth in the West.[10] In the 2014 playoffs, Leddy and the Blackhawks would go on another lengthy playoff run beating the St. Louis Blues in six games and the Minnesota Wild in six games in the first two rounds before matching up against the Los Angeles Kings in the Western Conference Finals for the second straight year, this time getting defeated by the eventual Stanley Cup champion Kings in seven games, one win short from a second consecutive appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals. Leddy ended the playoffs with a goal and four assists for five points in 18 games.
New York Islanders (2014–2021)
[edit]On October 4, 2014, just five days before the 2014–15 season began and with only one more season left on his contract, Leddy was traded to the New York Islanders in exchange for prospects, Ville Pokka, T. J. Brennan and Anders Nilsson.[11] On February 24, 2015, Leddy and the Islanders agreed to a seven-year, $38.5 million contract.[12]
On October 25, 2019, shortly into the 2019–20 season, Leddy registered two goals on goaltender Anders Nilsson in a 4-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators, including becoming the first Islanders defensemen in franchise history to score on a penalty shot.[13][14]
Detroit Red Wings (2021–2022)
[edit]Following the pandemic-shortened 2020–21 season, Leddy, with one year remaining on his contract, was traded to the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for Richard Pánik and a 2021 second-round pick.[15]
St. Louis Blues (2022–2025)
[edit]On March 21, 2022, at the 2022 trade deadline, he was traded to the St. Louis Blues, along with Luke Witkowski, in exchange for Oskar Sundqvist, Jake Walman and a 2023 second-round pick.[16] Leddy signed a four-year $16 million contract extension with the Blues on July 13.[17]

On March 23, 2024, Leddy played his 1,000th NHL game against his hometown team that drafted him but never played for, the Minnesota Wild.[18]
San Jose Sharks (2025–present)
[edit]On July 2, 2025, the Blues placed Leddy on waivers; he was subsequently claimed by the San Jose Sharks the following day.[19]
International play
[edit]| Medal record | ||
|---|---|---|
| Representing | ||
| Ice hockey | ||
| World Junior Championships | ||
| 2011 USA | ||
Leddy's high school and post-secondary career was supplemented with intermittent international play and development. He was a member of the U.S. squad in both the under-17 and under-18 Five Nations tournaments in the Czech Republic. In addition, Leddy participated in the 2009 U.S. under-18 evaluation camp in Lake Placid, New York, in association with USA Hockey and the USA Olympic team. Leddy had three goals and two assists in just five games at Lake Placid.[20]
Career statistics
[edit]Regular season and playoffs
[edit]| Regular season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | League | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | ||
| 2006–07 | Eden Prairie Eagles | HS-MN | 28 | 2 | 16 | 18 | 10 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2007–08 | Eden Prairie Eagles | HS-MN | 27 | 6 | 22 | 28 | 14 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2007–08 | U.S. NTDP U18 | USDP | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2008–09 | Eden Prairie Eagles | HS-MN | 25 | 8 | 29 | 37 | 22 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 4 | ||
| 2009–10 | University of Minnesota | WCHA | 30 | 3 | 8 | 11 | 4 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2010–11 | Chicago Blackhawks | NHL | 46 | 4 | 3 | 7 | 4 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2010–11 | Rockford IceHogs | AHL | 22 | 2 | 8 | 10 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2011–12 | Chicago Blackhawks | NHL | 82 | 3 | 34 | 37 | 10 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 0 | ||
| 2012–13 | Rockford IceHogs | AHL | 31 | 3 | 13 | 16 | 12 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2012–13 | Chicago Blackhawks | NHL | 48 | 6 | 12 | 18 | 10 | 23 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 | ||
| 2013–14 | Chicago Blackhawks | NHL | 82 | 7 | 24 | 31 | 10 | 18 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 6 | ||
| 2014–15 | New York Islanders | NHL | 78 | 10 | 27 | 37 | 14 | 7 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 0 | ||
| 2015–16 | New York Islanders | NHL | 81 | 5 | 35 | 40 | 25 | 11 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 0 | ||
| 2016–17 | New York Islanders | NHL | 81 | 11 | 35 | 46 | 12 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2017–18 | New York Islanders | NHL | 80 | 10 | 32 | 42 | 20 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2018–19 | New York Islanders | NHL | 82 | 4 | 22 | 26 | 18 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | ||
| 2019–20 | New York Islanders | NHL | 60 | 3 | 18 | 21 | 14 | 22 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 0 | ||
| 2020–21 | New York Islanders | NHL | 56 | 2 | 29 | 31 | 8 | 19 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 2 | ||
| 2021–22 | Detroit Red Wings | NHL | 55 | 1 | 15 | 16 | 16 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2021–22 | St. Louis Blues | NHL | 20 | 2 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 9 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 2 | ||
| 2022–23 | St. Louis Blues | NHL | 78 | 2 | 21 | 23 | 20 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2023–24 | St. Louis Blues | NHL | 82 | 3 | 25 | 28 | 14 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2024–25 | St. Louis Blues | NHL | 31 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | ||
| NHL totals | 1,042 | 75 | 341 | 416 | 203 | 137 | 8 | 31 | 39 | 16 | ||||
International
[edit]| Year | Team | Event | Result | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | United States | U18 | 7th | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | ||
| 2011 | United States | WJC | 6 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | ||
| Junior totals | 10 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 0 | ||||
Awards and honors
[edit]| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| NHL | |
| Stanley Cup champion | 2013 |
References
[edit]- ^ Loren Nelson. "Minnesota's 100 Greatest Players." MN Hockey Hub. Star Tribune. Web. 11 Dec. 2014.
- ^ a b Michael Russo (October 9, 2009). "Wild sees Leddy at U for two or three years". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on October 12, 2009. Retrieved July 28, 2010.
- ^ Murphy, Brian (October 30, 2009). "U hockey freshman Leddy out until January with broken jaw". twincities.com. Retrieved January 31, 2018.
- ^ "SEASON'S FIRST HALF CONCLUDES AT MICHIGAN TECH". gophersports.com. Archived from the original on January 31, 2018. Retrieved January 31, 2018.
- ^ Scifo, Dan (September 22, 2017). "Islanders' Leddy Owes a Lot to Hometown Roots". teamusa.usahockey.com. Retrieved March 9, 2018.
- ^ "Wild send Johnsson, Leddy to Blackhawks for Barker". TSN. archive.is. February 12, 2010. Archived from the original on January 10, 2013. Retrieved December 23, 2017.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link) - ^ Chris Kuc (July 27, 2010). "Nick Leddy: Chicago Blackhawks prospect signs three-year deal". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on July 29, 2010. Retrieved December 23, 2017.
- ^ CBS News (March 20, 2011). "Blackhawks Beat Coyotes, But Sharp Is Out". cbsnews.com. CBS News. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ The Columbian (April 21, 2012). "OT experts Coyotes, Blackhawks head to Game 6". columbian.com. The Columbian. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ Scott Powers (June 12, 2024). "Hawks player reviews: Nick Leddy". ESPN. ESPN. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ "Islanders acquire defencemen Boychuk, Leddy". The Sports Network. October 4, 2014. Retrieved December 23, 2017.
- ^ Craig Custance (February 24, 2015). "Nick Leddy's deal worth $38.5M". ESPN. Retrieved December 23, 2017.
- ^ "Nick Leddy scores twice, Islanders beat Senators 4-2". ESPN. October 25, 2019. Retrieved October 25, 2019.
- ^ "Islanders Leddy scores 1st penalty shot". Sportsnet.ca. October 25, 2019. Retrieved October 25, 2019.
- ^ "Leddy traded to Red Wings by Islanders for Panik, pick". National Hockey League. July 16, 2021. Retrieved July 16, 2021.
- ^ DiFilippo, Alex (March 21, 2022). "Detroit acquires Sundqvist, Walman and 2023 2nd-round pick from St. Louis". NHL.com. Retrieved March 21, 2022.
- ^ "Leddy agrees to 4-year deal with Blues". NHL. July 13, 2022. Retrieved July 14, 2022.
- ^ Pierce, Jessi (March 23, 2024). "Leddy celebrates 1,000th NHL game with Blues in home state of Minnesota". NHL.com. Retrieved March 25, 2024.
- ^ "Sharks sign Orlov to two-year deal, claim Leddy off waivers". TSN.ca. July 3, 2025. Retrieved July 3, 2025.
- ^ "Nick Leddy Bio - Gophersports.com - Official Web Site of University of Minnesota Athletics". Gopher Sports. Retrieved July 28, 2010. [permanent dead link]
External links
[edit]- Biographical information and career statistics from NHL.com, or Eliteprospects.com, or Eurohockey.com, or Hockey-Reference.com, or The Internet Hockey Database
Nick Leddy
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Family and upbringing
Nicholas Michael Leddy was born on March 20, 1991, in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, to parents Mike and Vicki Leddy.[6][4] He has a younger brother, Tyler, with whom he shared a close bond growing up.[4] The Leddy family had a strong athletic orientation, with both sons participating in multiple sports including hockey, football, and baseball from a young age. Mike Leddy, the family patriarch, played an active role in supporting his children's pursuits, often attending games and practices, while the family emphasized the value of teamwork and physical activity. Vicki Leddy complemented this by providing logistical support, driving the boys to various events across the region. This familial encouragement fostered a competitive yet balanced environment, helping to nurture their passion for sports without undue pressure.[4] Raised in the suburban community of Eden Prairie, a southwest Minneapolis-St. Paul exurb renowned for its robust youth sports scene, Leddy benefited from easy access to local rinks and programs. The Eden Prairie Hockey Association, one of Minnesota's largest with over 800 participants aged 4 to 18, offered structured opportunities for skill development in a hockey-centric culture. The family's home, intentionally selected for its backyard pond that was flooded each winter for skating, provided an ideal setting for informal practice and family bonding, sparking Leddy's early affinity for the ice. This supportive backdrop, combined with the community's emphasis on youth athletics, motivated Leddy's initial forays into organized hockey.[7][8]Introduction to hockey
Nick Leddy's introduction to hockey began at a young age in his hometown of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, where he first started skating and playing on the pond in his backyard.[9] This informal setting provided his earliest exposure to the sport, fostering a natural affinity for the ice amid Minnesota's pervasive hockey culture, often dubbed the "State of Hockey" for its deep-rooted community passion and tradition.[4] Supported by his family, particularly his father Mike who later coached him, Leddy quickly progressed to structured training through local skating lessons twice a week at community rinks.[9] As he entered youth leagues affiliated with USA Hockey, Leddy participated in house and travel teams, including Squirt A level play where his father served as coach.[9] These early competitive steps emphasized skill development under local coaches, with a strong focus on skating proficiency—such as mastering edges and crossovers—and defensive fundamentals to compensate for his smaller stature.[9] Leddy's dedication was evident in his rigorous practice routine, including shooting 400-500 pucks daily, which honed his escapability and positioning on the ice.[9] A notable highlight during his Squirt days came during a tournament in Fargo, North Dakota, where Leddy won a skating race, showcasing his emerging speed and agility.[9] This achievement, along with consistent praise from coaches like Lee Smith for his work ethic, reinforced his commitment to the sport.[9] Immersed in Eden Prairie's vibrant youth hockey scene, Leddy decided to pursue hockey seriously, driven by the communal emphasis on the game that permeates daily life in the region and the joy of playing with local peers.[4]Amateur career
Junior hockey
Leddy began his competitive hockey career at Eden Prairie High School in Minnesota, joining the varsity team during the 2006–07 season as a freshman. Over three seasons, he progressively developed as a defenseman, recording 18 points (2 goals, 16 assists) in 28 games as a sophomore, followed by 28 points (6 goals, 22 assists) in 27 games during his junior year. In his senior year of 2008–09, Leddy captained the team alongside two teammates and tallied 37 points (8 goals, 29 assists) in 25 regular-season games, contributing significantly to the Eagles' success.[10][11] The Eden Prairie Eagles advanced to the Minnesota State High School League Class AA tournament in 2009, where Leddy helped lead them to the program's first state championship, scoring four goals and four assists in six playoff games. His performance earned him the prestigious Minnesota Mr. Hockey Award as the top senior boys' hockey player in the state.[12][10][1] During his junior years, Leddy stood at approximately 6 feet tall and 200 pounds, a frame that supported his role as a mobile defenseman capable of transitioning play effectively. Scouting reports from this period praised his exceptional skating acceleration, agility, and puck-handling skills, which enabled strong puck-moving abilities and reliable defensive contributions.[10][3]College career and NHL draft
Leddy joined the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers for the 2009–10 season, playing in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) as a freshman defenseman. In 30 games, he recorded three goals and eight assists for 11 points, contributing offensively from the blue line while adapting to the college level.[1][13] His defensive play stood out, as he led the team with a plus-6 rating, demonstrating strong positional awareness and limited mistakes despite his youth.[13] Leddy was also recognized as the Golden Gophers' Rookie of the Year for his contributions.[1] Prior to his college season, Leddy had generated significant scouting interest from his junior hockey performance, which carried into the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. On June 26, 2009, he was selected in the first round, 16th overall, by the Minnesota Wild, highlighting his potential as a mobile, puck-moving defenseman.[1] Midway through his freshman year, on February 12, 2010, the Wild traded Leddy's NHL rights, along with veteran defenseman Kim Johnsson, to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for defenseman Cam Barker.[1] This move paved the way for Leddy to sign his entry-level contract with Chicago later that summer.Professional career
Chicago Blackhawks era (2010–2014)
Leddy signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Chicago Blackhawks on July 27, 2010, following his trade from the Minnesota Wild earlier that year.[1] He began his professional career in the 2010–11 season, splitting time between the NHL and the American Hockey League's Rockford IceHogs, where he recorded 2 goals and 8 assists in 22 games.[14] Leddy made his NHL debut on October 7, 2010, against the Colorado Avalanche, and after playing 46 games with Chicago (4 goals, 3 assists), he was assigned to Rockford in December 2010 before being recalled in January 2011 to finish the season.[6] This initial stint allowed him to adapt to professional play, emphasizing his development as a mobile, two-way defenseman. In the 2011–12 season, Leddy established himself in the NHL lineup, appearing in all 82 games for the Blackhawks and contributing 3 goals and 34 assists for 37 points, while averaging 22:05 of ice time per game.[6] His performance helped solidify the team's defensive depth during a season that ended with a first-round playoff exit. The following year, amid the 2012–13 lockout-shortened schedule, Leddy played 48 regular-season games, tallying 6 goals and 12 assists for 18 points, earning a plus-15 rating as part of Chicago's league-leading defense.[6] He played a key supporting role in the Blackhawks' Stanley Cup championship run, logging 23 playoff games with an average of 14:21 of ice time per game and contributing 2 assists despite the team's high-tempo style that limited some individual output.[1][15] During the 2013–14 season, Leddy achieved personal bests with 7 goals and 31 points (7 goals, 24 assists) in 82 games, maintaining a plus-10 rating and averaging 16:22 of ice time while anchoring the third defensive pairing on a Presidents' Trophy-winning team.[6] His growth into a reliable puck-mover was evident in the playoffs, where he appeared in 18 games (1 goal, 4 assists) during Chicago's run to the Western Conference Final, though the team fell short of defending their title.[1] This era marked Leddy's transition from prospect to core NHL contributor, highlighted by his adaptability within a championship-caliber blue line.New York Islanders tenure (2014–2021)
On October 4, 2014, the New York Islanders acquired defenseman Nick Leddy from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for defenseman T.J. Brennan, prospect Ville Pokka, and a third-round pick in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.[16] The trade addressed the Islanders' need for a mobile, puck-moving blueliner to bolster their defensive core. Leddy, who had contributed to the Blackhawks' 2013 Stanley Cup championship, quickly integrated into the Islanders' system under coach Jack Capuano. Just months later, on February 24, 2015, Leddy signed a seven-year contract extension worth $38.5 million, with an annual average value of $5.5 million, securing his long-term commitment to the franchise.[17] Leddy solidified his position as a consistent top-four defenseman during his Islanders tenure, often paired with Ryan Pulock or Adam Pelech in a balanced defensive structure emphasized by subsequent coach Barry Trotz starting in 2018.[18] Known for his skating ability and reliable two-way play, he logged heavy minutes in all situations, including power play and penalty kill duties. His offensive production peaked in the 2016–17 season, when he tallied 46 points (11 goals and 35 assists) in 81 games, showcasing his transition game and point production from the blue line.[6] Leddy's steady presence helped stabilize the Islanders' back end amid roster changes and injuries. Leddy played a pivotal role in the Islanders' postseason successes, particularly during their deep runs in 2020 and 2021. In the 2021 playoffs, he was instrumental in New York reaching the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 1986, averaging 23:06 of ice time per game across 19 contests while contributing six assists.[6] The prior year, in the 2020 playoffs, he averaged 21:34 per game over 22 appearances as the team advanced to the second round. Noted for his composure and effectiveness on the penalty kill, Leddy helped the Islanders rank among the league's top units in those postseasons. Over seven seasons (2014–15 to 2020–21), he appeared in 518 regular-season games for New York, accumulating 243 points (45 goals, 198 assists).[6]Detroit Red Wings stint (2021–2022)
On July 16, 2021, the New York Islanders traded defenseman Nick Leddy to the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for forward Richard Panik and the 52nd overall pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, primarily to alleviate salary cap constraints ahead of the Seattle Kraken expansion draft.[19][20] Leddy, entering the final year of his seven-year, $38.5 million contract with a $5.5 million cap hit, was seen as a veteran addition to stabilize Detroit's rebuilding defense and mentor young players like Moritz Seider.[21] During the 2021–22 season, Leddy appeared in 55 games for the Red Wings, registering 1 goal and 15 assists for 16 points while posting a minus-33 plus/minus rating.[22] Initially slotted into a top-four role as a puck-moving defenseman, he transitioned to the third pairing amid defensive inconsistencies, where he occasionally showed flashes of skill—such as a three-assist performance against the Minnesota Wild on March 10, 2022—but overall struggled with positioning and contributed to high-danger chances against.[23] His limited offensive output and challenges adapting to Detroit's more transitional, youth-oriented style in a non-contending environment led to underwhelming results, earning him a below-average evaluation relative to expectations for a high-salary veteran.[24] Leddy's tenure with Detroit concluded on March 21, 2022, when the Red Wings traded him, along with defenseman Luke Witkowski, to the St. Louis Blues for forward Oskar Sundqvist, defenseman Jake Walman, and a 2023 second-round draft pick.[25] Following the trade, Leddy played 20 regular-season games for the Blues before appearing in 9 playoff games (1 goal, 4 assists) during their 2022 postseason.[6] This move allowed Detroit to acquire younger assets while shedding Leddy's expiring contract during their rebuild phase.[26]St. Louis Blues period (2022–2025)
Following his trade from the Detroit Red Wings on March 21, 2022, Nick Leddy signed a four-year contract extension worth $16 million with the St. Louis Blues on July 13, 2022, securing an average annual value of $4 million.[27] This deal affirmed the Blues' confidence in Leddy as a reliable top-four defenseman capable of providing stability on the blue line and veteran guidance to a roster blending experience with youth.[28] Leddy delivered consistent performance in his first two full seasons with the Blues. During the 2022–23 campaign, he appeared in 78 games, recording 2 goals and 21 assists for 23 points while averaging 21:07 of ice time per game, often paired in top-four pairings to facilitate offensive transitions from the back end. He built on this in 2023–24, playing all 82 games and notching 3 goals and 25 assists for 28 points, with an average of 22:22 per game that underscored his durability and role in anchoring the defense during a competitive season. Throughout these years, Leddy was valued not only for his on-ice contributions but also for his leadership, helping mentor younger players amid the team's push for playoff contention.[28] The 2024–25 season proved challenging due to injury, marking a downturn in Leddy's tenure. He played just four games before sustaining a lower-body injury on October 22, 2024, which forced him to miss the next 49 contests.[29] Leddy returned to the lineup on February 4, 2025, against the Edmonton Oilers, but struggled to regain form, managing only 2 goals and 3 assists for 5 points across 31 total games while averaging 18:40 of ice time. In the 2025 playoffs, Leddy appeared in 7 games for the Blues, recording 1 assist as the team was eliminated in the first round by the Winnipeg Jets in seven games.[29][6] Over his full seasons with the Blues from 2022 to 2025, Leddy suited up for 191 regular-season games, tallying 56 points and earning praise for his steady veteran presence despite the injury setbacks.San Jose Sharks signing (2025–present)
On July 3, 2025, the San Jose Sharks claimed defenseman Nick Leddy off waivers from the St. Louis Blues, acquiring the final year of his four-year, $16 million contract with a $4 million cap hit for the 2025–26 season.[2][30] This move came as the Sharks, in the midst of a rebuilding phase, sought to bolster their defensive depth with experienced players. Leddy, entering his 16th NHL season at age 34, joined alongside recent additions such as Dmitry Orlov on a two-year, $6.5 million deal and John Klingberg, aiming to stabilize a young blue line that includes prospects like Shakir Mukhamadullin.[31][32] As a veteran presence on the rebuilding Sharks, Leddy has been slotted into a shutdown role, pairing with younger defensemen to provide structure and mentorship during the early 2025–26 season. As of November 19, 2025, he has recorded 0 goals and 2 assists for 2 points in 15 games, with an average time on ice of 17:11 per game, including contributions on the penalty kill (1:54 per game).[6] His steady, positionally sound play has helped limit high-danger chances against, aligning with the team's emphasis on defensive fundamentals amid their current season record.[33] Leddy has also assisted in power-play situations, drawing on his experience to guide emerging talents like Mukhamadullin in breakout plays.[34] Leddy's integration follows a brief recovery from an upper-body injury sustained late in his time with the Blues, allowing him to debut for San Jose on October 11, 2025, against the Anaheim Ducks.[35] Despite a subsequent upper-body issue in late October that sidelined him temporarily, he returned to practice by November 4 and has focused on reliable minutes in even-strength and defensive-zone starts, projecting a measured pace for the remainder of the season given the Sharks' development-oriented approach.[36]International career
World Junior Championships
Leddy represented the United States at various junior international tournaments before his NHL career. In 2007, he played for the U.S. Under-17 Select Team at the Five Nations Tournament, helping secure a second-place finish.[3] The following year, he joined the U.S. Under-18 Select Team at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, recording two assists.[3] In 2009, Leddy participated in the USA Hockey National Junior Evaluation Camp, scoring three goals and two assists in six games.[3] Leddy was selected to represent Team USA at the 2011 IIHF World U20 Championship in Buffalo, New York, marking his debut in the World Junior Championship following his transition from college hockey at the University of Minnesota.[37] In the tournament, Leddy appeared in six games, contributing three assists and posting a +9 plus-minus rating while accumulating no penalty minutes, showcasing his disciplined and reliable defensive presence.[38] He played alongside fellow defensemen such as Justin Faulk and Derek Forbort—both future NHL contributors—helping anchor a steady defensive unit that limited opponents effectively throughout the event.[39] Team USA secured the bronze medal with a 4-2 victory over Sweden in the third-place game on January 5, 2011, where goaltender Jack Campbell's tournament-leading performance sealed the result.[38] This achievement highlighted Leddy's growing poise in high-stakes international play, positioning him as a prospect ready for senior-level opportunities with the U.S. national team.[10]Senior international play
Leddy has not represented Team USA at the senior international level in major IIHF-sanctioned tournaments such as the World Championships or World Cup of Hockey, focusing instead on his NHL club career following his junior appearances.[3][40]Career statistics
Regular season and playoffs
As of November 19, 2025, Nick Leddy has played 1,050 regular-season games in the NHL, accumulating 75 goals, 343 assists, and 418 points, with 207 penalty minutes and a plus/minus rating of -41.[6] Leddy's regular-season performance by year is detailed below, reflecting his contributions across teams from the Chicago Blackhawks to the San Jose Sharks.| Season | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | PIM | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010–11 | CHI | 46 | 4 | 3 | 7 | 4 | -3 |
| 2011–12 | CHI | 82 | 3 | 34 | 37 | 10 | -12 |
| 2012–13 | CHI | 48 | 6 | 12 | 18 | 10 | 15 |
| 2013–14 | CHI | 82 | 7 | 24 | 31 | 10 | 10 |
| 2014–15 | NYI | 78 | 10 | 27 | 37 | 14 | 18 |
| 2015–16 | NYI | 81 | 5 | 35 | 40 | 25 | -9 |
| 2016–17 | NYI | 81 | 11 | 35 | 46 | 12 | -3 |
| 2017–18 | NYI | 80 | 10 | 32 | 42 | 20 | -42 |
| 2018–19 | NYI | 82 | 4 | 22 | 26 | 18 | 0 |
| 2019–20 | NYI | 60 | 3 | 18 | 21 | 14 | -1 |
| 2020–21 | NYI | 56 | 2 | 29 | 31 | 8 | -3 |
| 2021–22 | DET/STL | 75 | 3 | 21 | 24 | 22 | -30 |
| 2022–23 | STL | 78 | 2 | 21 | 23 | 20 | 4 |
| 2023–24 | STL | 82 | 3 | 25 | 28 | 14 | 14 |
| 2024–25 | STL | 31 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 6 |
| 2025–26 | SJS | 8 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 | -5 |
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | PIM | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010–11 | CHI | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -1 |
| 2011–12 | CHI | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| 2012–13 | CHI | 23 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 | -8 |
| 2013–14 | CHI | 18 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 6 | -3 |
| 2014–15 | NYI | 7 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015–16 | NYI | 11 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| 2018–19 | NYI | 8 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | -1 |
| 2019–20 | NYI | 22 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| 2020–21 | NYI | 19 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 2 |
| 2021–22 | STL | 9 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 4 |
| 2024–25 | STL | 7 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -4 |
International statistics
Leddy's international statistics reflect his contributions to Team USA in junior competitions, where he showcased defensive reliability and offensive support from the blue line. His participation was confined to the junior ranks, with no recorded senior international appearances.[3] The following table details his performance in key tournaments:| Tournament | Year | GP | G | A | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IIHF World U20 Championship | 2011 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 3 |