St. Louis Blues: An Evaluation of Nick Leddy

Drafted as a first-round pick, sixteenth overall in 2009, Nick Leddy is an experienced veteran playing for the Chicago Blackhawks, New York Islanders, Detroit Red Wings, and now suiting up for the St. Louis Blues.

When Leddy arrived in New York, he put up point totals in the mid-to-high 40s in a couple of seasons. But he also won a Cup in Chicago in 2013.

Arguably, at the end of his career, Leddy has remained healthy the past two seasons, averaging 20-plus minutes on the ice.

Nick Leddy might be a bargain of a defenseman

2022-23: 78 games, 2 goals, 21 assists, 23 points.
2023-24: 82 games, 3 goals, 25 assists, 28 points.

Leddy will not be a scoring threat, evidenced by his position and long playing career. Nevertheless, his veteran experience and playing IQ stand as a testament to the attributes he brings to the St. Louis Blues.

Leddy has been with the Blues for two seasons and one partial year in 2021-22.

This season, he ranked third among defensemen in total points, compared to 2022-23, when he ranked fourth.

As an older player, his numbers are respectable, and his contract is manageable, paying him $16 million over four years.

He’s not an elite player and never has been, but he’s a consistent player who has not succumbed to deflating statistics.

Considering the current defensemen on the team and the likelihood of no significant upgrades or changes, Leddy could once again be a top-three defender for the Blues in 2024-25.

Leddy himself is dying for the opportunity to return to the playoffs. Before his time with St. Louis in 2021-22, his last appearance was with the Islanders in 2020-21, where he played in 19 games, recording 6 points.

Leddy might not provide a substantial number of hits, but his presence is known, and the fact that he played north of 20 minutes per game on average proves he’s trusted by current head coach Drew Bannister.

The St. Louis Blues are cash-strapped, with several long-term high-paying contracts. For his performance, Leddy’s value seems about right, and he has earned his right to play in a top line, providing consistency.

Surely, Blues fans long for a star defenseman, but until that day comes, the Leddy brand provides some reliability and stability without breaking the bank.