Detroit Red Wings: Five Reasons For Improvement in 21-22

Germany's defender Moritz Seider (2nd L) and US' forward Colin Blackwell (2nd R) vie during the IIHF Men's Ice Hockey World Championships bronze medal match between the USA and Germany at the Arena Riga in Riga, Latvia, on June 6, 2021. (Photo by Gints IVUSKANS / AFP) (Photo by GINTS IVUSKANS/AFP via Getty Images)
Germany's defender Moritz Seider (2nd L) and US' forward Colin Blackwell (2nd R) vie during the IIHF Men's Ice Hockey World Championships bronze medal match between the USA and Germany at the Arena Riga in Riga, Latvia, on June 6, 2021. (Photo by Gints IVUSKANS / AFP) (Photo by GINTS IVUSKANS/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Red Wings Obtaining Nick Leddy in a Trade

On July 17th, veteran defenseman Nick Leddy was traded to Detroit for Richard Panik and a 2nd round draft pick in 2021.  Detroit had to open up roster spots for young forwards and had a need for a left defenseman who could mentor Moritz Seider.

Originally a 16th overall draft selection of the Minnesota Wild, Leddy has played 12 seasons in the NHL and has accumulated 336 points in 776 regular season games. He has also scored 33 points in 121 career playoff games.

He led the New York Islanders defensemen in points last year when he scored 31 points in 56 regular season games and six points in 19 playoff games.

Now 30, Leddy is in the final year of a $5,500,000 salary cap hit before he becomes a UFA next summer.  Look for Steve Yzerman to sign him to an extension before he hits free agency.

Leddy and Seider should be the top defense pairing next year for the Red Wings.