The group traded its long time defenseman to the Red Wings on Friday, getting forward Richard Panik and a second-round pick (No. 52) in the 2021 NHL Draft.
After 7 seasons, the Islanders Nick Leddy era is over.
The trade– which consists of Detroit paying half of Paniks $2.75 million salary for the next two seasons– maximizes $4.125 million in cap space for the cash-strapped Islanders, who have no scarcity of players waiting for new contracts for next season.
Leddy, coming off a strong postseason, was expected to be made offered in the upcoming Seattle Kraken growth draft. The veteran blueliner has one season staying on his seven-year, $38.5 million offer at a $5.5 million cap hit.
Nick Leddy and Richard PanikGetty Images (2 )
6 Islanders veterans are pending free agents, headlined by forward Casey Cizikas and winger Kyle Palmieri, with choices likewise to be made on other previous Devils Travis Zajac, Andy Greene and Cory Schneider, plus Brayden Coburn. Forwards Michael Dal Colle and Anthony Beauvillier are restricted complimentary representatives, as are defenseman Adam Pelech and goalie Ilya Sorokin.
Panik, who was dealt to the Wings by the Capitals at the trade deadline, likely will slot into a middle-six function on the Island. The 30-year-old will be joining his 6th NHL group considering that going into the league in 2012-13. He published 4 goals and 13 points with Detroit and Washington last season.
With Leddy out of the picture, the Islanders are expected to safeguard blueliners Pelech, Ryan Pulock, and Scott Mayfield in the July 21 growth draft. Groups lists are due Saturday.
