Report: Islanders shopping Leddy ahead of expansion draft

The New York Islanders have placed defenseman Nick Leddy on the trade block, sources told The Athletic's Arthur Staple.

The Isles are reportedly looking to move the veteran so they don't risk losing him in the expansion draft for nothing.

Leddy recorded two goals and 29 assists in 56 games this past season while averaging 21:35 per contest. He added six points in 19 playoff games during New York's run to the final four. His underlying numbers have been poor, though.

Nick Leddy, reportedly on the trade block, has not been a strong playdriver at all in recent years despite strong offensive zone playmaking and prolific zone entries. #Isles pic.twitter.com/XjWJmSLqso

- JFresh (@JFreshHockey) July 13, 2021

The 30-year-old has one year left on his contract with a cap hit of $5.5 million.

The Islanders are projected to use the 7-3-1 protection list format in the expansion draft, with the three defense spots going to Ryan Pulock, Adam Pelech, and Scott Mayfield.

New York is estimated to have nearly $12 million in cap space once Johnny Boychuk is placed on long-term injured reserve. However, the club has multiple key restricted free agents to re-sign, including Ilya Sorokin, Anthony Beauvillier, Michael Dal Colle, and Pelech.

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