NHL Power Rankings: Top 10 Eastern Conference Defensemen

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Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports

NHL Power Rankings: #8

Coming in at number eight on our list of the best blueliners in the Eastern Conference is Nick Leddy of the New York Islanders. Leddy emerged as one of the best defensemen in the NHL after finally getting his chance at consistent playing time with the Islanders after being traded from the Chicago Blackhawks. In 2013-2014, Leddy averaged 16:22 of ice time per game for Chicago. In 2014-15, he averaged over 20 minutes per game with the Islanders. He proved that he is definitely worthy of getting top pairing minutes in the NHL. 

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He tied a career high with 37 points (24 at even-strength). He proved to be a very efficient power play point man with 11 assists with the man advantage. What makes Leddy so good is that he dominates puck possession at an elite level. His 4.5% CF% relative at even-strength was in the top 20 among defensemen with at least 500 minutes of ice time at even-strength. His 5.22% FenwickFor% relative at even-strength ranked fifth among all defensemen. However, it’s worth noting that 2014-15 was the first season that he had significant possession numbers in the NHL.

The scary thing about Leddy is that he’s only 23 years old. He’s likely going to continue to get better. If this is him at 23, imagine him in a couple of years.

Next: #7