The Islanders made a huge commitment to their blueline by announcing that they have resigned defenseman Nick Leddy to a 7 year contract extension worth 38.5 million dollars. The annual cap hit will be 5.5 million dollars a year for the 23 year old dman. This is a fantastic deal for all parties involved as Leddy proved he could handle a much larger role and more responsibility that he had in Chicago.
Leddy has proved stability on the blue line and has been much better in his own end that advertised. His skating ability is elite and in sixty one game this year, Leddy has eight goals and seventeen assists which is good for twenty five points. He has provided much need depth and security on the blue line and is also a plus twelve on the season. Now it is Johnny Boychuk’s turn to join Leddy and commit to a team that is really on the rise.
As for the game tonight, the Islanders return to the ice tonight to square off with the Arizona Coyotes. Chad Johnson will get the start tonight and with his play recently, I think this is a great chance for Johnson to prove that he finding his game. Johnson’s play has finally picked up and by starting him tonight, Jaroslav Halak will get a much needed break. The lineup itself will remain the same. Casey Cizikas is making progress but is not ready yet. Kyle Okposo will start skating this week so that is some much needed good news. The Isles may be in the market for a forward at the trade deadline and I do think they will look for a veteran dman as well. With all the injuries mounting up, they could use a little more depth to offset these injuries.
This week’s schedule for the team features games against the Coyotes, Flames and Hurricanes. The Isles could really use 5 points this week as that would go a long way in the standings. Thankfully after tonight the team will finally have two days off and can get some much needed rest as the NHL scheduling in a NON Olympic year has been border line crazy. Why teams are playing 6 times in 9 days or 5 in 7 days is simply mind blowing when other teams have three games in hand. I simply don’t get it, but I don’t work for the league. As always or more on all things hockey please give me a follow me on twitter at @DanDanNoodles78.