Hockey Now's NHL Draft Countdown: DAY 10

21st-ranked prospect: Nick Leddy

Team: Eden Prairie, High-MN
Position: Defensemen
Shoots: Left
Height: 5-11
Weight: 179 pounds
Born: March 20, 1991
Hometown: Eden Prairie, MN, USA
ISS Ranking: 21st overall
Central Scouting Ranking: 24th among N.A. skaters

Photo: www.thehockeynews.com

Nick Leddy is one of the best pure skaters in this years draft and the most highly touted high school player of this year’s class.

Leddy was the backbone of the Eden Prairie High school team, leading them to a Minnesota Class 2A State Championship title. Leddy, who will be attending the University of Minnesota this fall, is extremely intelligent with the puck, knowing when and where to pass it off, and when to hang on to it himself and skate it down the ice.

The 2009 Mr. Hockey Award Winner, for most outstanding senior high school hockey player in Minnesota, Leddy already has the skating ability to fit in with the worlds best, and is not far behind skill wise compared to the top offensive defensemen in the NHL.

Last season Leddy led all defensemen on his team in scoring with 8 G, 29 A, for 37 P in 25 games played.

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21st pick in 2009: Philadelphia Flyers

Photo: www.usatoday.com

TEAM NEEDS
The Flyers have been in desperate need of a consistent goaltender for the last few seasons. There is no doubt their forwards are amongst the best in the NHL, but average goaltending has been the result of disappointing playoff finishes for a team that has potential to be a cup contender.

NOTABLE PICKS THIS DECADE
Jeff Carter (2003. 11th); Mike Richards (2003, 24th); Joni Pitkanen (2002, 4th); Patrick Sharp (2001, 95th); Justin Williams (2000, 28th)

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21st pick in 1999: Nick Boynton, D (BOS)

NHL TOTALS
32 G, 96 A, 128 P, 505 GP, 751 PIM

BEST SEASON
2003/04 – Boston Bruins (NHL): 6-24-30 in 81 games, 98 PIM

WHERE IS HE NOW?
Florida Panthers (NHL)

Hockey Now’s Jordan Chong will be profiling a top prospect every day leading up to the NHL Draft in Montreal, June 26. Rankings provided by International Scouting Services; full draft guide available now at www.isshockey.com. Leave your comments and check out our official website at www.hockeynow.ca.