Chicago Blackhawks: Nick Leddy Should Be on the 3rd Pairing on Defense

The Chicago Blackhawks are in the market for a defenseman as they prepare for a playoff push. Last year's February deals netted Chris Campoli. In the next few weeks, GM Stan Bowman should be setting his sights a bit higher.

To make a difference on defense, they need a top-four guy. That's because at this point of his career, Nick Leddy isn't a second-pairing defenseman. He is a third-pairing defenseman.

That may change as Leddy matures in the NHL. The day the 'Hawks can count on Leddy to hold down a key role on defense may be a few seasons away or as close as next fall.

There is no denying that the 20-year-old has earned his spot on the roster and developing into a player who could replace what Brian Campbell brought to the team in the future. However, that day has not arrived yet.

Leddy is making an impact on the offensive end with two goals and 23 assists. That's second among Chicago's defensive corps right now. He also seems to be bringing the puck into the offensive zone with a lot of confidence.

The problem with Leddy's game lies in his ability to go to the boards and control the puck. Leddy has still not filled out physically. Until this happens, he is going to encounter difficulty in the corners. A glaring example of this is the turnover he committed Tuesday night against Nashville.

Patric Hornqvist met Leddy behind the net and forced a turnover, setting up Mike Fisher for the second Predators goal. The tally proved to be the game-winner.

I'm not pinning the loss on Leddy by any means. However, the truth of the matter is that the longer Leddy is on the ice, the more his defensive deficiencies are exposed.

I've become more convinced that the solution to this is to acquire a top-four defenseman, allowing Leddy to pair with Steve Montador on the third line. Both his traditional (minus-6, the worst of the 'Hawks' blueliners) and Behind The Net (minus-0.96, better only than Sean O'Donnell) ratings suggest this is where Leddy belongs in the pecking order on defense.

The third line is effective for the 'Hawks when they can eat up 15-18 minutes a night. Adding another fifth or sixth defenseman isn't going to solve that problem. If Bowman can't get that player, he's better off not making a move at all on defense.

If Leddy can't be moved down a rung, the second pairing is still going to be a weak spot come spring. Picking up the right player is easier said than done, but if the 'Hawks are going to improve the defense, Leddy needs to be replaced on the top four.