Nick Leddy

Lore & Background

Leddy played high school hockey at Eden Prairie High School, where he won the Minnesota 'Mr. Hockey' award and Metro Player of the Year honors after a 45-point senior season. He then played one season at the University of Minnesota, earning the team's Rookie of the Year award despite missing eight games with a broken jaw. The Minnesota Wild traded his NHL rights to the Chicago Blackhawks on February 12, 2010, along with Kim Johnsson, in exchange for Cam Barker. Leddy turned professional in 2010, signing a three-year, $2.7 million contract with the Blackhawks. He made his NHL debut in the 2010–11 season opener and scored his first goal against Ryan Miller of the Buffalo Sabres. Leddy played all 82 games in the 2011–12 season and all 48 games in the lockout-shortened 2012–13 season, helping the Blackhawks win the Presidents' Trophy and the Stanley Cup. He was traded to the New York Islanders on October 4, 2014, and later signed a seven-year contract extension. Leddy also played for the Detroit Red Wings and St. Louis Blues, and on July 3, 2025, he was claimed off waivers by the San Jose Sharks.

Reader's Guide

Nick Leddy's career is notable for his durability and consistent performance as a defenseman. He played all 82 games in multiple seasons with the Blackhawks and was a key contributor to their 2013 Stanley Cup championship. Leddy's ability to log significant ice time and produce offensively from the blue line made him a valuable asset for every team he played for. His trade from the Wild to the Blackhawks in 2010 proved pivotal, as he developed into a reliable NHL defenseman. Leddy's 1,000th NHL game in 2024 underscored his longevity in the league. His time with the Islanders included a franchise first for a defenseman: scoring on a penalty shot. Leddy's career path—from high school star in Minnesota to a first-round draft pick, then a Stanley Cup winner—reflects a steady rise through the ranks of professional hockey.

Did You Know?

• Leddy won the Minnesota 'Mr. Hockey' award in 2009 after a 45-point senior season at Eden Prairie High School.
• He scored his first NHL goal against Ryan Miller of the Buffalo Sabres on October 11, 2010.
• Leddy became the first Islanders defenseman in franchise history to score on a penalty shot, on October 25, 2019.
• He played his 1,000th NHL game on March 23, 2024, against the Minnesota Wild.