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Nick Leddy’s exciting week continues with Blackhawks call-up

nickleddy

James O’Brien

It’s been a busy, emotional week for Chicago Blackhawks defenseman/prospect Nick Leddy.

Things were pretty low on Monday when Leddy and the United States world junior team absolutely fell on their faces against Canada in the tournament’s semifinal 4-1 loss. His spirits certainly must have been improved on Wednesday, though, as the U.S. gutted out a spirited 4-2 win over Sweden to redeem themselves and grab the bronze medal.

A week that began low keeps climbing in quality for Leddy, as the Blackhawks decided to call him up to the big club instead of keeping him with Rockford in the American Hockey League. He is expected to play on Chicago’s third defensive pairing with Jordan Hendry, taking Jassen Cullimore’s typical spot on the Blackhawks blueline.

Leddy played in six NHL games already this season before being called back down to the minors. He told NHL.com that gaining experience in such a wide variety of venues should help him have a more productive run at the sport’s highest level this time around.

“You gain more confidence as you play, but this is another step up in the NHL,” he said. “Every level you jump, there’s just going to be more skilled players and you’ve got to adjust to that league. I guess we’ll see what happens, but I’ll do my best.”

Leddy will likely be paired with Jordan Hendry as Chicago’s third defense tandem against the Ottawa Senators on Friday night at the United Center. Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said it’s also possible that Leddy might get some time on the penalty kill unit, which is currently ranked 28th in the League (77.3 percent).

Quenneville likes what Leddy did in the minors and at the WJC and hopes that translates to the NHL.

“He’s progressed,” Quenneville said. “He looks bigger off the ice and on the ice. I think the World Juniors was good for him, as well. He gives us more puck possession, more presence offensively in that area. He played well when he was here earlier. I just think he added consistency as he worked his way down there.”