Nick Leddy has taken a big step forward this season.

Leddy's 16 points in 35 games is nothing new for him, but he's improved defensively in 2013. "He's probably the guy I'm most impressed with this season," said teammate Niklas Hjalmarsson. "I knew he was a great skater and great offensively. But I'm most impressed this year with how he plays in the defensive zone and around the net. He has a great stick. The way he plays defensively this year is a step up." Leddy credits playing for AHL Rockford during the lockout for some of his improvements and helping him build confidence. Leddy ranks third on the team with a plus-16 rating.

Nick Leddy was helped out by playing for the Rockford IceHogs of the AHL during the lockout.

"My plus-minus is a lot better, which is good," Leddy said. "I definitely feel a lot more comfortable. I think playing in Rockford (during the lockout) and gaining that confidence definitely helped out." Leddy has been a regular on the power play as he is fifth on the Blackhawks in TOI and has had a goal and three assists on the pp and two goals and seven assists overall. He is worth selecting in keeper leagues as he is still only 21.

Nick Leddy improved his game with his stint in the AHL during the lockout.

Leddy wanted to improve his defense as his offensive game has been strong during his two NHL seasons. "He's got a better stick, he's coming up with some loose pucks and when he starts the rush from our end he can alleviate that pressure and skate by people," coach Joel Quenneville said. "He's been good on power-play entries as well; and he's got a good shot. He's been playing different kind of minutes against different kind of guys. We're comfortable against any kind of matchup with him out there but there's been overall improvement in his game." Leddy picked up the overtime winner on Sunday and now has a goal and five points in six games. Grab in if you can as there are not a lot of scoring defensemen in the NHL at this time.