New York Islanders defenseman Nick Leddy celebrates his goal with center Brock NelsonAnthony Gruppuso
The New York Islanders have agreed to terms with Nick Leddy on a seven-year contract, keeping the 23-year-old defenceman away from restricted free agency.
Leddy, acquired on the eve of this season from the Chicago Blackhawks, agreed to the deal on Tuesday, six days before the NHL trade deadline. The contract is worth $38.5 million and will run through the 2021-22 season.
He is earning $3.4 million this season on the final year of his current contract.
"Nick has proven to be an elite defenseman in this league at a young age," Islanders general manager Garth Snow said in a statement released by the team. "He's the type of player on the ice, in the locker room and in the community that we're thrilled to add as a cornerstone of our defensive core."
Leddy leads Islanders defencemen with eight goals and is second in points with 25, heading into Tuesday night's home contest against Arizona. Leddy, who also has a plus-12 rating, has played in every Islanders game this season.