The San Jose Sharks have claimed veteran defenseman Nick Leddy off waivers, marking a notable development in the NHL this season. Leddy, 34, arrives with a wealth of experience and solid recent performance, making the Nick Leddy Sharks defenseman waiver move a significant addition to their roster.
Career Overview and Recent Performance
Last season, Leddy played 31 regular season games with the St. Louis Blues, contributing five points, consisting of two goals and three assists, alongside a plus-2 rating. In the Stanley Cup Playoffs, he added an assist over seven games. For the 2023-24 season, Leddy ranked third among Blues defensemen in scoring with 28 points and led the team with a plus-14 rating. He was also second on the Blues in average ice time, logging 22 minutes and 22 seconds per game.
Over his NHL career, Leddy has appeared in 1,042 regular season games, registering 416 points through 75 goals and 341 assists. His tenure has included stints with the Blues, Detroit Red Wings, New York Islanders, and Chicago Blackhawks, bringing experience from multiple competitive teams.
Achievements and Highlights Throughout NHL Career
Leddy secured a Stanley Cup championship in 2013 with the Chicago Blackhawks, contributing two assists over 23 playoff games that season. Overall, across 11 postseasons in 16 NHL years, he has amassed 39 points, including eight goals and 31 assists, in 137 Stanley Cup Playoff games. His peak came in 2015-16 with the Islanders, scoring career highs of 46 points, 11 goals, and 35 assists, following a career-best plus-18 rating the previous year. He also set his highest average ice time with 22 minutes and 43 seconds per game in 2016-17.
Early Years and International Experience
Before turning professional, Leddy played one season at the University of Minnesota, where he totaled 11 points and held a plus-5 rating in 2009-10. He earned the title of Minnesota ‘Mr. Hockey’ in 2008-09, an honor given to the state’s top high school player. Internationally, Leddy represented the United States at the 2011 World Junior Championship, where he helped secure a gold medal by contributing three assists in six games.
The defenseman stands six feet tall and weighs 205 pounds. He was originally drafted 16th overall in the first round of the 2009 NHL Draft by the Minnesota Wild, hailing from Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
Implications of the Move for the Sharks
Adding Leddy brings veteran leadership and steady defensive skills to the Sharks’ blue line, likely providing depth and experience to their roster this season. His history of reliable play and playoff toughness could impact San Jose’s defensive strategies as they strive for improved consistency. Observers will be keen to see how Leddy integrates within the Sharks organization and contributes in upcoming games.