ESPN’s Kristen Shilton posted a set of power rankings this morning, focusing on the player(s) on each NHL team’s roster who need to step forward, and she’s correct in noting that there’s a Wing who has yet to step up on a consistent basis who plays on defense:
Previous ranking: 24
Points percentage: 0.543
Upcoming schedule: vs. SEA (Dec. 1), vs. NYI (Dec. 4), vs. NSH (Dec. 7)Nick Leddy. The Red Wings have leaned on their young guns, but veterans like Leddy can pitch in more. The 12th-year blueliner hasn’t always asserted himself this season, and it has shown in his seven assists and minus-seven rating through 22 games. And his overall possession numbers (currently on the wrong side of 50%) could be improved, as well. With a few adjustments, Leddy can be a stabilizing force on Detroit’s back end.
Continued; I’ve been okay with Leddy’s overall play, as he’s skating alongside a risk-taker in Filip Hronek, but Leddy started very strongly and got worse, to the point that he’s really struggling right now. It’s just time for #2 to start turning things around.
