The Chicago Blackhawks announced yesterday that 19-year-old defenseman Nick Leddy has been sent down to play with the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League. Leddy turned a number of heads during the preseason, earning him a spot on the season-opening roster. But Coach Quenneville and his staff have decided he simply needs more playing time to develop.
↵One could say Leddy was the living embodiment of the Blackhawks' "go/stay young" off-season philosophy (Marty Turco aside). He was the youngest blueliner to kick off the season with the team in more than 10 years. There's still plenty of talent riding on Leddy's skates, however, so don't be surprised to see him back with the team later in the season.