Grandpa Lou and Stevie Y have struck a deal that could turn into a win-win for both organizations.
Islanders receive: Richard Panik ($1.375M AAV for two more seasons, with 50-percent retention from Detroit of $1.375M) and a 2021 second-round pick (52nd overall).
Red Wings receive: Nick Leddy ($5.5M AAV, one season left on contract).
UPDATE: The Detroit #RedWings acquired D Nick Leddy from the New York Islanders in exchange for F Richard Panik and the 52nd selection (originally EDM) in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. pic.twitter.com/SNWmaoV14q
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) July 17, 2021
This deal was something that Lou Lamoriello had to do, with the Islanders not wanting to lose Leddy in the expansion draft for nothing.
Getting a bottom six forward, the 52nd overall pick in the upcoming entry draft, and saving $4.125M in cap space can’t be seen as anything but a win.
From Detroit’s perspective, they are getting a 30 year old defenseman who just put up 31 points in 54 games and averaged 21:35 of ice time last season. He also helped bring the Islanders to back-to-back Conference Finals and won a Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2013. That kind of leadership and experience could prove to be invaluable to a young Detroit squad.
Leddy is on an expiring contract as well, which means Yzerman has a chance to try and sign him or flip him and recoup the pick he just gave up in a draft that is seen as a crapshoot.
While the Islanders needed this trade more, and the Wings took on more salary, neither fan base has too much of a reason to be upset with this deal.
Steve Auld
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