The New York Islanders have made their first major move of the offseason, trading defenseman Nick Leddy to the Detroit Red Wings, in exchange for forward Richard Panik and a second-round pick in this year’s NHL Draft.
#Isles News: The Islanders have acquired a second round selection in the 2021 NHL Draft and forward Richard Panik from the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for defenseman Nick Leddy.
Leddy has been with the Islanders for the last seven years and this past year, he managed 31 points in 56 games. The defenseman had one year remaining on his contract, with a $5.5 million cap hit.
Panik was acquired by the Red Wings at the trade deadline, as part of a deal which sent Anthony Mantha to the Washington Capitals. Splitting his time between the Capitals and Red Wings last season, Panik had a total of four goals and 13 points in 48 games, a pace of seven goals and 22 points per 82 games. He has two years remaining on his contract but the Red Wings will retain half his salary, meaning the Islanders will take on just $1.38 million of Panik's cap hit.
Overall, I really like this trade for the Islanders. They avoided losing Leddy for nothing in the expansion draft and managed to get back a roster player at a good price, along with a draft pick.
I’ll have a full analysis of the trade out soon.
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