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New York Islanders Five Questions For Five Players

TUGGERAH, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 08: Close up of the microphones and desk before the press conference on August 8, 2018 in Tuggerah, Australia. The Central Coast Mariners confirmed that 100-metre world record holder Usain Bolt has committed to an indefinite training period with the club, with the aim to develop the 'world's fasted man' into a professional footballer. (Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images)
TUGGERAH, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 08: Close up of the microphones and desk before the press conference on August 8, 2018 in Tuggerah, Australia. The Central Coast Mariners confirmed that 100-metre world record holder Usain Bolt has committed to an indefinite training period with the club, with the aim to develop the 'world's fasted man' into a professional footballer. (Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 3: Nick Leddy #2 of the New York Islanders skates with the puck during the game against New Jersey Devils at Barclays Center on November 3, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 3: Nick Leddy #2 of the New York Islanders skates with the puck during the game against New Jersey Devils at Barclays Center on November 3, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

Nick Leddy

Question: “What’s happened since December of 2017 exactly?”

Since former head coach Doug Weight gave Nick Leddy the Norris nod back in November of 2017 he hasn’t been the same player. Before Weight’s words, Leddy had 20 points in 24 games. Putting Leddy on pace for 68 points by seasons end.

And then it all fell apart in December. As of December 1st, 2017 Nick Leddy, former Norris worthy defenseman, only has 29 points in 88 games played. That includes a four-game point streak at the start of December of 2017.

What happened exactly? How did Nick Leddy go from what seemed like a respectable shout for a Norris Trophy, to not even the best defenseman on his own team?

Ryan Pulock has clearly taken that honor from him partly due to Pulock’s good play. But it’s also down to how bad Nick Leddy has been since December of 2017.

Only recently are we starting to see Nick Leddy use his skating ability to penetrate into the offensive zone to create plays. That’s vintage Nick Leddy something we’re used to seeing on a nightlight basis that just disappeared for months.

Why It’s an Important Question

Is this just the new Nick Leddy? Cause if so the New York Islanders might want to find a way to get out of that four-year $5.5 million cap hit.

But if this all but temporary the Islanders need to figure out why this is temporary and address it.

  • Is it an injury? Let him rest and recover ASAP.
  • Is it an issue with deployment? Retool the blue line in order to get the best out of Nick Leddy.

Nick Leddy is far too important to the New York Islanders for this to continue for much longer.

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