Leddy gets even more attractive

Defenseman Nick Leddy had arguably his most effective performance of the postseason in the Islanders’ series-clinching win over the Bruins in Game 6 of their second-round playoff series Wednesday night.

Not only did he earn the assist on Brock Nelson’s go-ahead tally in the second period, but also he was more responsible with the puck and had a hand in a few clean transitions into the Bruins’ zone. Leddy also made an impressive diving play in front of Islanders goalie Semyon Varlamov to break up a Boston rush in the first period.

The 30-year-old blocked three shots, including one in the second period when the Islanders lost possession in their zone. As the Bruins shifted the puck around the zone to a wide-open Craig Smith in the left faceoff circle, Leddy dove in front to negate the shot.

“I thought he was really, really solid,” coach Barry Trotz said of Leddy after the win. “He made a great play on a two-on-one. He skated, I thought he was firm. When Nick is skating and he’s firm like that, he’s a difference maker.”

Leddy is a player of interest for the Islanders because he is one of the most logical options for general manager Lou Lamoriello to expose to the Seattle Kraken for the expansion draft, set for July 21.

As a high-skilled, veteran defenseman who is in the sixth of a seven-year, $38.5 million contract with a cap hit of $5.5 million, Leddy could be an enticing option for a franchise building from the ground up.

It’s no secret that Trotz is high on Leddy, who has logged the third-most minutes this postseason behind top-pair defensemen Adam Pelech and Ryan Pulock. From an organizational standpoint, left-handed defenseman prospects Samuel Bolduc and Robin Salo are still developing. And if Andy Greene doesn’t return after his one-year deal expires this offseason, the Islanders’ left side would be rather depleted.

“I think like any playoffs, it’s been some ups and downs,” Leddy said Friday in response to how he’d evaluate himself this postseason so far.