Sophomore defenseman Nick Leddy agreed to terms with the Chicago Blackhawks about 5 p.m. Tuesday and was expected to sign a contract soon after that, a source close to the negotiations said.
He agreed to a contract which would pay him the rookie maximum, $900,000 if he makes the Blackhawks or $67,500 if he plays for their minor league affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs.
Leddy played on the Gophers' top defensive pair with David Fischer and his plus-6 rating was the best on the team. The Wild took Leddy with the No. 16 pick in the 2009 NHL draft but traded him on Feb. 12 to Chicago in a three-player deal.
Leddy impressed the Blackhawks in their prospects camp earlier this month.
Sophomore wing Josh Birkholz also left the team on Tuesday. He was facing a suspension for breaking team rules.
