Blackhawks sign Leddy to three-year deal

The Blackhawks have signed defenseman Nick Leddy to a three-year contract.

Leddy, 19, was acquired by Chicago on in February in a trade with the Minnesota Wild.

He was originally selected by the Wild in the first round, 16th overall, of the 2009 National Hockey League Entry Draft.

The Eden Prairie, Minnesota, native ranked second among team freshmen with 11 points (3G, 8A) in 30 games in his collegiate debut at the University of Minnesota (WCHA) in 2009-10. He posted all 11 of his points after November, including eight (2G,6A) over his final 13 contests of the year.

"Nick impressed us with his conditioning and development at our prospect camp in July to the point that we are confident in him bringing his game to the professional level," Blackhawks General Manager Stan Bowman said. "His experience at the University of Minnesota has undoubtedly prepared him for the next level and we sincerely appreciate the skills he learned under the tutelage of their coaching staff. We expect Nick to be a force on our blueline in the near future."

Leddy won Minnesota's 2009 Mr. Hockey Award as a senior while leading Eden Prairie High School to the Minnesota Class AA state championship. He was invited to the 2010 USA Hockey National Junior Evaluation Camp, from which the United States roster for the 2011 IIHF World Junior Championships will be chosen.