Report: Islanders, Leddy discussing long-term contract extension

The New York Islanders like what they have seen from defenseman Nick Leddy.

In the midst of a successful 2014-15 campaign in which Leddy has proved to be a stabilizing force on the blue line, the two sides are discussing a long-term contract extension, according to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun.

Garrioch writes:

After being able to acquire defenseman Nick Leddy from the Hawks because of a salary-cap crunch in Chicago last October, the Islanders have been thrilled with the way he has played and are talking about a long-term extension with his camp. 

With a $2.7-million cap hit in the final year of his contract, Leddy, 23, who went into Saturday’s game against Columbus with 7-15-22 totals in 55 games, is an RFA on July 1 and the Isles are willing to buy up some of his unrestricted years to keep him in the fold. 

Garrioch suggests Leddy could be in line for a contract similar to the one Brooks Orpik signed with the Washington Capitals this past summer, worth $5.5 million per season.