The St. Louis Blues are getting some much-needed reinforcements on their blue line as veteran defenseman Nick Leddy returns to the lineup for the first time since October 15, 2024. Leddy, 33, has missed the past 49 games due to injury, but his return is crucial as the Blues continue to fight for a playoff spot.
Leddy’s presence on the ice brings experience and stability to the team’s defensive corps. The Eden Prairie, Minnesota, native is currently in his fourth season with St. Louis after being acquired from the Detroit Red Wings in a trade on March 21, 2022. Since joining the Blues, Leddy has produced 59 points (seven goals, 52 assists) and recorded 40 penalty minutes in 184 regular-season games. Over his 1,015-game NHL career, he has accumulated 411 points (73 goals, 338 assists) and 201 penalty minutes.
With the Blues sitting at 52 points, seven behind the Calgary Flames for the final Western Conference wild-card spot, every game from here on out is critical. Leddy’s ability to log key minutes, move the puck effectively, and provide leadership could be a difference-maker for a St. Louis team that has struggled to maintain consistency throughout the season. His return will help bolster the defense and contribute to the team’s transition game, an area where the Blues have struggled in his absence.
The Blues have leaned heavily on younger defensemen and increased minutes for veterans like Colton Parayko and Justin Faulk during Leddy’s absence. His return should help ease that burden, allowing better ice time distribution and matchups. Additionally, his experience in high-pressure games and past playoff runs could stabilize the group.
Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
Mar 16, 2024; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Blues defenseman Nick Leddy (4) defends against Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber (7) during the first period at Enterprise Center.
Regarding special teams, Leddy’s veteran awareness could aid the team’s penalty kill and help prevent scoring opportunities. While he may not be heavily relied upon on special teams upon his return, he provides another defensive-minded veteran option for Blues head coach Jim Montgomery should they begin to falter or need to look at different options.
With just over two months remaining in the regular season, the Blues find themselves in must-win mode nearly every night. Getting a proven, veteran defenseman back in the fold at this stage of the season could be the spark they need to close the gap in the standings and keep their playoff hopes alive.
However, if the Blues fail to make a substantial postseason push, Leddy’s return could also serve another purpose—helping showcase some of the team’s other defensemen ahead of the trade deadline. With the organization needing to evaluate its long-term direction, players such as Leddy or long-time veteran defenseman Ryan Suter could become trade candidates if management decides to retool. Leddy’s presence allows the Blues to rotate defensive pairings more effectively, giving potential trade assets a chance to display their value to interested teams.