Trade Alert: Islanders move Nick Leddy to Red Wings for Richard Panik

The New York Islanders have traded defenseman Nick Leddy to the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for Richard Panik and a second round selection in the 2021 NHL Draft. The pick is 52nd overall which was acquired from the Edmonton Oilers for Andreas Athanasiou.

Detroit also retains 50% of Panik’s salary.  

Islanders trade Nick Leddy

The NHL Trade Freeze is tomorrow and teams are making their final roster moves. In addition to the freeze protected lists are due as well. This move helps the Islanders free up cap space, they are expected to sign another defenseman to meet the expansion requirement of exposing one defenseman under contract for 2021-22.

The 30 year-old Leddy registered 31 points in 56 games to lead all Islanders defensemen in scoring last season. He also helped the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup in 2013. For his career he has recorded 336 points in 776 career games. He’s played the last seven season on the Islanders.

Leddy was not expected to be protected.

In return the Isles pick up 30 year-old winger, Richard Panik. Last season he notched 13 points in 48 games. Over his 517 game career he’s registered 194 points with stops in Tampa, Toronto, Chicago, Arizona, Washington, and Detroit.

Panik has two seasons remaining at $2.75 million. The Islanders will only be responsible for 1.375 million.