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After seven seasons, the Islanders’ Nick Leddy era is over.
The team traded their longtime defenseman to the Red Wings on Friday, receiving forward Richard Panik and a second-round pick (52nd) in the 2021 NHL Draft.
Leddy, who is coming off a strong playoff series, is expected to be available in Seattle Kraken’s next expansion draft. The veteran defenseman has one more season on his seven-year, $ 38.5 million contract to a cap of $ 5.5 million.
The exchange – which includes Detroit paying half of Panik’s $ 2.75 million salary for the next two seasons – frees up $ 4.125 million in cap space for the cash-strapped Islanders, who have no shortage of them. players awaiting new contracts for next season.
Six Islanders veterans are waiting for free agents, with forward Casey Cizikas and winger Kyle Palmieri headlining, with decisions to be made over other former Devils Travis Zajac, Andy Greene and Cory Schneider as well. , as well as Brayden Coburn. Forwards Michael Dal Colle and Anthony Beauvillier are restricted independent agents, as are defenseman Adam Pelech and goaltender Ilya Sorokin.
With Leddy out of sight, the Islanders are expected to protect defensemen Pelech, Ryan Pulock and Scott Mayfield in the July 21 expansion draft. Team lists are expected on Saturday.
Panik, who was distributed to the Wings by the Capitals on the trade deadline, will likely play an intermediary role on the Island. The 30-year-old will join his sixth NHL team since joining the league in 2012-13. He scored four goals and 13 points for Detroit and Washington last season.
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