With the New York Islanders trading defenceman Nick Leddy to the Detroit Red Wings to free up cap space, it has left a pretty big hole on the Isles blue line to fill.
Brian Compton of NHL.com reports Leddy, 30, averaged 21:35 of ice time per game last season, second on the Islanders behind defenseman Ryan Pulock (22:26), and led New York with 11 power-play points.
Compton went on to say they did re-sign defenseman Adam Pelech to an eight-year contract to avoid a salary arbitration hearing.
The free agent market is pretty dry after free agent frenzy was over at the end of July. NHL Rumors have the Isles interested in Erik Gustafsson. He could be signed on a one-year deal worth $1.5 million. Another option is Sami Vatanen, a right-shot defenseman but could be worth a look for New York as they try to fill Leddy’s spot.
