Why I love the 2 trades

[Islander Prophet]

The two trades for Boychuck and Leddy in my opinion are more than simply adding depth to our defensive squad. It's more than finding two legit top-4 players who have experience with bigger roles on top level teams.

What these two new players do to our team is form a whole 6-man squad on defense that is perfectly balanced and that will work in perfect synch with eachother. There is no secret to what makes a great defensive pairing: what you need is one quick, puck possession guy with a great first pass and good abilities to process a quick counter from the defensive zone to the offensive zone, and eventually being good with the puck in that offensive zone. The second guy should be have good positioning, good physical presence and skill in retrieving puck possession in our own zone to allow his team to breakout. This is how you create a successful defense on a top-level NHL team.

We already know that the DeHaan-Hamonic pairing is working out extremely well. With Hamonic being the guy that can shut down the opponent's offense and DeHaan being the transition guy. The addition of Boychuck and Leddy together form yet another perfectly complimented pairing on our defense. I especially love Leddy in this move because I think he has more offensive upside than people might assume. As a funny coincidence, he wears jersey #2 and what I see in him is exactly what Mark Streit did for us once he arrived with the Isles. With Pulock and Reinhart in the system, I'm not and wasn't worried about our future concerning defensively efficient players. I was however still looking to see if we could find another player to fill in the kind of role that a player like Streit filled for us for 3-4 years. Calvin DeHaan seems like he could be that player, but if you want two top pairings, you need two of these guys, and I think we just got him.

The reason I am writing this is because that this is the first trade that the Isles make since I can remember that will not only add to our depth, or improve the overall skill of the team in general, but it moves us towards creating a team that is molded to fit a specific pattern that is proven and seen in every successful team.

Prepare yourselves Islanders fans, I think this season is going to be a lot more special than what you may even be currently expecting

Click to read more...

 

[TROLLCHUK]

Prepare yourselves Islanders fans, I think this season is going to be a lot more special than what you may even be currently expecting

From your lips (or keyboard) to God's ears.

 

[scott99]

These 2 guys are exactly what this team needs. A mean, tough, hard hitting defenseman who has a cannon shot, and is a leader, and a slick skating defenseman who will probably lead our dmen in scoring ,was 3rd in Dmen scoring for the Hawks, but would have lead our dmen with 31 points. I feel he can score more than that with us. Plus, he's very underrated defensively. Both bring leadership and a winning attitude. Great moves. Should help our new goaltending as well.

 

[Darth Milbury]

These 2 guys are exactly what this team needs. A mean, tough, hard hitting defenseman who has a cannon shot, and is a leader, and a slick skating defenseman who will probably lead our dmen in scoring ,was 3rd in Dmen scoring for the Hawks, but would have lead our dmen with 31 points. I feel he can score more than that with us. Plus, he's very underrated defensively. Both bring leadership and a winning attitude. Great moves. Should help our new goaltending as well.

Leddy is not underrated defensively. He just isn't anything more than average in his own end, mostly because he is soft and weak on the boards. He also hasn't ever shown and signs of "leadership" or a "winning attitude". In fact, the knock on him in Chicago was his disappearing act in close games.


He is gifted offensively though and he could still put it altogether.

He just isn't the player you are portraying him as NOW.

 

[scott99]

Here's a clutch playoff goal
http://youtu.be/ZntdfLfGjYs

Here's a big defensive play, also in the playoffs.

http://youtu.be/WEat-QXQn8Y

Here he is as a 19 year old, Steve Konroyd pointing out how calm and cool he is. Sound familiar ?

http://youtu.be/2vP0MEHb6GY

I said he was underrated defensively and he is. Will never be confused for Scott Stevens, but he can hold his own, and has learned from some excellent dmen.

 

[Aucoin3]

Leader not a leader. Disappearing act clutch under pressure. None of that really matters right now. What does matter is that he is 23 years old, cant become a UFA until 27 and is a huge upgrade over whomever would have been our 6th dman and more likely than not a huge upgrade over whomever would have been our 4th dman.

This is a great trade even if the guy turns into a third pairing offensive specialist. So long as he continues to devlop he could be a big part of this team for the next 10 years. None of this Ryan Smyth, Thomas Vanek one year and out nonsense.

Isles now have Leddy, Hamonic, de Haan, Reinhart, Pulock, Hickey, Pedan, Mayfield, Pelech and Czuczman in the system and under the age of 25. Thats a win.

 

[Blackhawkswincup]

Here's a clutch playoff goal
http://youtu.be/ZntdfLfGjYs

Here's a big defensive play, also in the playoffs.

http://youtu.be/WEat-QXQn8Y

Here he is as a 19 year old, Steve Konroyd pointing out how calm and cool he is. Sound familiar ?

http://youtu.be/2vP0MEHb6GY

I said he was underrated defensively and he is. Will never be confused for Scott Stevens, but he can hold his own, and has learned from some excellent dmen.

Did you watch him get benched vs Bruins in finals? or benched vs Wild in this past playoff?

He was also awful vs Kings and by end of series he was only playing a dozen minutes and that was with a struggling Leddy. Hawks really needed him to step up with Rozy struggling and Oduya hurt but he didn't

That is one of the reasons Hawk fans like myself got sick of kid and advocated his trade. I don't doubt he may someday become reliable top 4 defender but at this point for 4 straight playoffs he has struggled horrendously in playoffs

When you have guys like Martinez/Muzzin stepping up for Kings last WCF on blueline after struggling in 2013 WCF and then you watch Leddy continue to play terrible it makes you question if kid will ever take step

Leddy is a good young PMD but his defensive game leaves a lot to be desired

 

[Darth Milbury]

Here's a clutch playoff goal
http://youtu.be/ZntdfLfGjYs

Here's a big defensive play, also in the playoffs.

http://youtu.be/WEat-QXQn8Y

Here he is as a 19 year old, Steve Konroyd pointing out how calm and cool he is. Sound familiar ?

http://youtu.be/2vP0MEHb6GY

I said he was underrated defensively and he is. Will never be confused for Scott Stevens, but he can hold his own, and has learned from some excellent dmen.

You really think a few youtube clips are evidence of anything? I could probably dig up some clips of Matt Donovan making good defensive play - he is still a scrub.

He isn't underrated defensively at all. He's an average defensive player who is quite weak on the boards and a bit soft. I think that's pretty much the way he is seen around the league.

That's why the Isles were able to get him for a "B" prospect and some junk.

I actually don't see him as much of an improvement beyond Hickey, NOW. That's not to say he won't develop - he certainly might . He's not there yet though.

 

[scott99]

Did you watch him get benched vs Bruins in finals? or benched vs Wild in this past playoff?

He was also awful vs Kings and by end of series he was only playing a dozen minutes and that was with a struggling Leddy. Hawks really needed him to step up with Rozy struggling and Oduya hurt but he didn't

That is one of the reasons Hawk fans like myself got sick of kid and advocated his trade. I don't doubt he may someday become reliable top 4 defender but at this point for 4 straight playoffs he has struggled horrendously in playoffs

When you have guys like Martinez/Muzzin stepping up for Kings last WCF on blueline after struggling in 2013 WCF and then you watch Leddy continue to play terrible it makes you question if kid will ever take step

Leddy is a good young PMD but his defensive game leaves a lot to be desired

I see a lot of potential. Let's see what happens, but I think he can be a good defenseman. Obviously Boychuck was a more important pick up, but with Leddy paired with Boychuck, it should help him be able to rush up the ice knowing Boychuck will be there to cover for him.

 

[Darth Milbury]

I see a lot of potential. Let's see what happens, but I think he can be a good defenseman. Obviously Boychuck was a more important pick up, but with Leddy paired with Boychuck, it should help him be able to rush up the ice knowing Boychuck will be there to cover for him.

He does have potential, that's clear.

 

[13th Floor]

Did you watch him get benched vs Bruins in finals? or benched vs Wild in this past playoff?

He was also awful vs Kings and by end of series he was only playing a dozen minutes and that was with a struggling Leddy. Hawks really needed him to step up with Rozy struggling and Oduya hurt but he didn't

That is one of the reasons Hawk fans like myself got sick of kid and advocated his trade. I don't doubt he may someday become reliable top 4 defender but at this point for 4 straight playoffs he has struggled horrendously in playoffs

When you have guys like Martinez/Muzzin stepping up for Kings last WCF on blueline after struggling in 2013 WCF and then you watch Leddy continue to play terrible it makes you question if kid will ever take step

Leddy is a good young PMD but his defensive game leaves a lot to be desired

Always good to read insight from someone who has watched him closely for years, so thanks. A 23 year old PMD -- this is par for the course. I'd say his ceiling is closer to completely up in the air than being predictable right now (no matter where you are putting that ceiling).

 

[A Pointed Stick]

Did you watch him get benched vs Bruins in finals? or benched vs Wild in this past playoff?

He was also awful vs Kings and by end of series he was only playing a dozen minutes and that was with a struggling Leddy. Hawks really needed him to step up with Rozy struggling and Oduya hurt but he didn't

That is one of the reasons Hawk fans like myself got sick of kid and advocated his trade. I don't doubt he may someday become reliable top 4 defender but at this point for 4 straight playoffs he has struggled horrendously in playoffs

When you have guys like Martinez/Muzzin stepping up for Kings last WCF on blueline after struggling in 2013 WCF and then you watch Leddy continue to play terrible it makes you question if kid will ever take step

Leddy is a good young PMD but his defensive game leaves a lot to be desired

You should have seen all the Flyers fans who said we didn't know how great AMac was.. Thanks for adding eyewitness commentary!

 

[Islander Prophet]

I think the point is not to try to argue that Leddy will be a stud in our zone, we all agree that it will never be his role and that's also the main part of what I was trying to say in the first post.

What I really like about this move is that even though players like Boychuck and Leddy are individually not game-changers and will never be superstars, their addition together compliments perfectly the needs of a solid defensive unit. It all comes down to maximizing the efficiency of your resources and these two acquisitions are perfect examples of trades that can bring in a huge amount of benefits because of their combination and how they will pair up in the system.

To return to the Mark Streit comparison, even if Leddy becomes an identical player to Streit and never shows a more than average defensive game, his offensive upside will be all we need since we already have a Boychuck or Hamonic to pair him up with

 

[PatriceBergeronFan]

I think the point is not to try to argue that Leddy will be a stud in our zone, we all agree that it will never be his role and that's also the main part of what I was trying to say in the first post.

What I really like about this move is that even though players like Boychuck and Leddy are individually not game-changers and will never be superstars, their addition together compliments perfectly the needs of a solid defensive unit. It all comes down to maximizing the efficiency of your resources and these two acquisitions are perfect examples of trades that can bring in a huge amount of benefits because of their combination and how they will pair up in the system.

To return to the Mark Streit comparison, even if Leddy becomes an identical player to Streit and never shows a more than average defensive game, his offensive upside will be all we need since we already have a Boychuck or Hamonic to pair him up with

Oh, Boychuk is a gamechanger. You'll see soon enough, his goals are always clutch, he times the perfect open ice hit or hip check or even fight and wake the crowd and team up and change momentum, while playing 20-26 minutes per game. I'll leave now before I become unwelcome. But if you wanted to see, I can post a handful of youtube videos of my favorite Boychuk moments and you'll get even more excited.

 

[Quicklime]

Oh, Boychuk is a gamechanger. You'll see soon enough, his goals are always clutch, he times the perfect open ice hit or hip check or even fight and wake the crowd and team up and change momentum, while playing 20-26 minutes per game. I'll leave now before I become unwelcome. But if you wanted to see, I can post a handful of youtube videos of my favorite Boychuk moments and you'll get even more excited.

So far, only speaking for myself, you're welcome here.

The input and zeal are appreciated - gives us a ton to look forward to. I think both of our teams will surprise this year - Boston without Boychuk, and the Isles with him.

Let's just team up and rid the postseason of Rangers and Penguins, and we're all good.

 

[giddy up*]

Leddy is not underrated defensively. He just isn't anything more than average in his own end, mostly because he is soft and weak on the boards. He also hasn't ever shown and signs of "leadership" or a "winning attitude". In fact, the knock on him in Chicago was his disappearing act in close games.


He is gifted offensively though and he could still put it altogether.

He just isn't the player you are portraying him as NOW.

Maybe you're right, maybe you're wrong.

But he's a 23 year old cup winner who was good enough to play every single game for Chicago the past 3 years. Let's not nitpick here, tremendous addition.

 

[steveat]

Leddy improves our special teams and so does Boychuk. We just elevated our PP and PK by almost 2 times that both are here.

I see Leddy as a potential Mathieu Schneider copy...well, at least that's what I can tell from the descriptions people left here.

Geez...when is this damn season gonna start!

 

[simbo042]

Geez...when is this damn season gonna start!

So soon now...so soon...

I hate wishing the summer away and most years it feels like that's what I'm doing, but this year has been the worst!

 

[Darth Milbury]

I think the point is not to try to argue that Leddy will be a stud in our zone, we all agree that it will never be his role and that's also the main part of what I was trying to say in the first post.

What I really like about this move is that even though players like Boychuck and Leddy are individually not game-changers and will never be superstars, their addition together compliments perfectly the needs of a solid defensive unit. It all comes down to maximizing the efficiency of your resources and these two acquisitions are perfect examples of trades that can bring in a huge amount of benefits because of their combination and how they will pair up in the system.

To return to the Mark Streit comparison, even if Leddy becomes an identical player to Streit and never shows a more than average defensive game, his offensive upside will be all we need since we already have a Boychuck or Hamonic to pair him up with

Leddy is much closer to Brent Sopel than Mark Streit. He'll never be as explosive offensively as Streit or as competent defensively.


Way overestimating this guy.

 

[MYIslanders]

Hello everyone. Long time reader, first time poster. I'm not sure if this has already been mentioned, but this is why I love these 2 trades: JOHN TAVARES!

JT finally has reason(s) to look at what is happening with this organization, all the moves this off season, and be excited. They shored up their goaltending. They have a plethora of young talent at forward, and now they have a solid defense. I expect JT's stats to sky-rocket, and these last 2 moves may have been the icing on the cake to get him here beyond his current contract. Prior to this off season, I was seriously concerned that he may be nearing the end of his patience with this organization. These are very exciting times!

 

[simbo042]

Hello everyone. Long time reader, first time poster. I'm not sure if this has already been mentioned, but this is why I love these 2 trades: JOHN TAVARES!

JT finally has reason(s) to look at what is happening with this organization, all the moves this off season, and be excited. They shored up their goaltending. They have a plethora of young talent at forward, and now they have a solid defense. I expect JT's stats to sky-rocket, and these last 2 moves may have been the icing on the cake to get him here beyond his current contract. Prior to this off season, I was seriously concerned that he may be nearing the end of his patience with this organization. These are very exciting times!

Agreed, and welcome to the board!

 

[Darth Milbury]

Hello everyone. Long time reader, first time poster. I'm not sure if this has already been mentioned, but this is why I love these 2 trades: JOHN TAVARES!

JT finally has reason(s) to look at what is happening with this organization, all the moves this off season, and be excited. They shored up their goaltending. They have a plethora of young talent at forward, and now they have a solid defense. I expect JT's stats to sky-rocket, and these last 2 moves may have been the icing on the cake to get him here beyond his current contract. Prior to this off season, I was seriously concerned that he may be nearing the end of his patience with this organization. These are very exciting times!

Welcome to the board.

 

[MYIslanders]

Thanks! Very happy to be here. Have been an Isles fan since '93. Moved to Virginia 5 years ago, and used HF to help keep me up to date with the Islanders, so I owe all of you a great deal of thanks.

 

[13th Floor]

Thanks! Very happy to be here. Have been an Isles fan since '93. Moved to Virginia 5 years ago, and used HF to help keep me up to date with the Islanders, so I owe all of you a great deal of thanks.

Oy...

 

[steveat]

I honestly think these trades will improve JT's stats by AT LEAST 10 points, which would throw him into the 100+ club. I don't think I am over exaggerating this either.