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Nick Leddy has signed a seven-year contract extension with the New York Islanders.
In his first season with the club after an October trade from the Chicago Blackhawks, Leddy has proven to be the Isles' most effective defenseman.
At age 23, he was a pending restricted free agent this coming summer. Locking him up, and long term through his prime years, is a major move for the team's present and future.
UPDATE: Elliotte Friedman has the AAV for Leddy and Craig Custance has a yearly breakdown on the escalating (but within the rules) deal:
Leddy AAV is $5.5M
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) February 24, 2015
Breakdown of the Leddy salary: $4 million, $4.5 million, $5 million, $5.5 million, $6 million, $6.5 million & $7 million in the last year.
— Craig Custance (@CraigCustance) February 24, 2015
From the team announcement:
"We have something special in this locker room and I’m excited to be a part of it for seven more years," Leddy said. "From the start of my time here, the Islanders have been a first-class organization. I’m honored by their commitment to me and look forward to challenging for the Stanley Cup for years to come."
You can buy your #2 jersey now.