For most people, the lasting postseason memory of Nick Leddy came last spring in overtime of Game 7 against Los Angeles.
That was when a shot from the Kings' Alec Martinez deflected off Leddy's wrist and knuckled past Corey Crawford for the series-clinching goal.
"Words can't really describe it -- it's amazing," the young defenseman said a couple of days afterward. "It hits you in a weird spot and you think you kind of have it in front of you and to look back and see it in the net … definitely didn't feel good."
Whether or not Leddy was looking for redemption for that fluky goal this season, he won't be able to find it with the Blackhawks after being traded Saturday to the New York Islanders.
With a cap hit of $2.7 million this season and the Blackhawks being $2 million over the salary cap, rumors of moving the young, speedy defenseman before Tuesday's deadline to get under the cap were all anyone was talking about.
Well, those rumors became reality as the Hawks sent the 23-year-old Leddy, along with goaltender Kent Simpson, to New York for prospects: defensemen Ville Pokka and T.J. Brennan and the rights to goaltender Anders Nilsson.
Pokka and Brennan were immediately assigned to Rockford, while Brennan must clear waivers before he can report to the IceHogs.
Leddy had 31 points and posted a plus-10 rating in 82 games last season, the third consecutive season that appeared in every regular-season game. He also had 5 points in 18 playoff games.
He was one of two defensemen the Islanders acquired Saturday. They also picked up Johnny Boychuk in a trade with Boston.
"They've both won a Stanley Cup, so in the leadership department, that helps our group," New York general manager Garth Snow said. "Leddy's ability to move the puck and skate the puck up ice, add offense; Boychuk's ability to be physical, clear the front of the net and a howitzer for a shot; for us, (those are) two solid additions to our club."
The departure of Leddy means another young defenseman, possibly Trevor van Riemsdyk or Kyle Cumiskey (or both) could stick with the big club.
The Hawks are hoping to have their roster finalized as soon as Sunday.
• Also Saturday, the Hawks assigned forward Teuvo Teravainen and defenseman Klas Dahlbeck to Rockford.
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