Nick Leddy and How I View Him

[HawkeyLife07]

I just finished applying for college last night and have my high school exams coming up this week.

Most of my buddies just got their G2 and are able to drive. I still have to take driving school and get my G2 to be able to drive without my mom.

My mom is mad that my room is not clean.

Hey, you what the difference between me and Nick Leddy is?

I'll let you guess.

If you guessed 3 years. You are absolutely right.

If you think his mistakes are unacceptable. You are absolutely wrong.

It's up to Stan to get another d-man or two, so that we can limit Nick's role now but keep his development in motion.

Nick Leddy was drafted 16th overall so at age 20, I'd say he's doing all right. Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews were top 3 picks and they stepped in and played amazing.

What's the difference?

1.) 13+ picks
2.) Toews and Kane play forward

So I used Toews and Kane as examples, how about that other guy?

Before Duncan Keith was Norris (age 26):

He was Norfolk (age 20):

I remember when I was 12 years old and watching Dustin Byfuglien in my first year as a Hawks/hockey fan. I had no clue his background or the idea of a "prospect". Sure enough I developed a complete hatred for Dustin, everything from yelling at the TV to posting rants on the Blackhawks facebook page.

Now look. He was one of the biggest parts of our cup run and I paid $80 bucks to meet him and have him sign my authentic jersey with his name on the back.

-----------------------------------------
Man I was an idiot back then, so immature.

But now I've learned from my mistakes and understand the game more, even as a fan. Jeez, that was 5 years ago. I was nowhere near the fan I was then that I am now. I guess those 5 years really made a difference.

You see what I'm doing here?



Thanks for reading.

 

[Captain Iago]

I disagree somewhat though. The Hawks are not a developmental team at this point; they are a team with Cup aspirations. While I did expect Leddy to make mistakes, the indictment falls on SB and Q for developing him at said time. Playing him so much (a liability due to a lack of experience, smarts, and strength) has really hurt this team.

He's a HUGE reason why this team is hurting (and shopping) for a defenseman who can eat some top 4 minutes.

 

[HawkWriter]

Well written, thoroughly enjoyed it.

I completely agree. The guy (or kid) is 20 years old. Being a defenseman in the NHL at 20 years old is probably the toughest position to play...especially if you are given the responsibility that the Blackhawks have given Leddy. I've been very impressed with Leddy this year, sure he has turnovers (Evident in last night's 2nd Predators goal) but he is 20 years old and it is going to happen. Stan needs to take the pressure off of Leddy a bit by getting a #4/5 guy that can eat up some important minutes.

I've been very impressed with Leddy when he has the puck this year and he moves his feet. He has a great entry into the zone on the rush and besides Kane, Leddy might be the best Blackhawk at dodging the opposition in the neutral zone. Very swift and very promising.

For me, it is what it is. Sure everyone would like Leddy to play better, but hell I would love Toews to play better as well! I wish every player on the Blackhawks were better than they really are. What everyone needs to do is realize realistic expectations. In terms of expectations, in my opinion, Leddy is surpassing them.

 

[TheChicagoFan]

I think Leddy is good, the problem is that his partner isn't fantastic either. I think he would be a lot better with Montador or someone more experienced. You can't expect him to be perfect right now.

He was a steal and the fact that he's even doing what he does now is amazing.

 

[Capt. Serious]

Leddy's load would be lessened if Stan would've given Monty a guy who isn't 200 yrs old & is a 7th d-man at best.

 

[HawkeyLife07]

I think Leddy is good, the problem is that his partner isn't fantastic either. I think he would be a lot better with Montador or someone more experienced. You can't expect him to be perfect right now.

He was a steal and the fact that he's even doing what he does now is amazing.

Hey Chicago Fan, how's it going?

I was wondering if there is any way you would want me to write for the website (for the Hawks). I know If that's a possibility I would love to because I am an aspiring journalist and begin college next year.

If you enjoyed that short Nick Leddy thread then I'd hope you'd enjoy other articles I could write in the future.

I watch practically all Hawks games, and would be willing to donate to the site if it helps my chances.

Good day, and go Hawks!

 

[DMelt36]

The best thing I've seen from Leddy is when he's led PP rushes up the ice and took it upon himself to get the puck into the zone.

He'd skate through the neutral zone, chip it around a player at the blue line, and then retrieve it himself. Beautiful thing to see ... very much like Brian Campbell, the player who he's expected to replace. I think he even set up a goal off of that play one time.

Got a long way to go, still, but the arrow continues to point up for him. Can't believe they got him for Cam Barker. What a steal.

 

[HawkWriter]

I think Leddy is good, the problem is that his partner isn't fantastic either. I think he would be a lot better with Montador or someone more experienced. You can't expect him to be perfect right now.

He was a steal and the fact that he's even doing what he does now is amazing.

How is Montador going to make Leddy better than Hjalmarsson does? Hjalmarsson is definitely the better player than Montador and definitely the safer partner (in terms of staying home).