Pros and Cons: Leddy or Oduya

May 18, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Johnny Oduya (27) during the third period in game one of the Western Conference Final of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at United Center. Chicago Blackhawks defeats the Los Angeles Kings 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Tonight marks the second preseason game for the Chicago Blackhawks. That means that the season is drawing ever closer. Fans and players are as excited as ever, but the Hawks front office still have some things to work out. The team is over the salary cap by $2.2 million. That means that a trade is eminent. As the season edges closer, more and more rumors begin to pop up about who may be on their way out of Chicago. Nick Leddy and Johnny Oduya are names that are commonly associated with trades this offseason. Here are the pros and cons of a potential trade of either of those players:

Leddy Pros

Trading Leddy without anymore incentives would shed $2.7 million in salary. It has been reported though, that the Hawks are telling other GMs that Leddy is available only if they take Kris Versteeg as well. That would shed another $2.2 million, and that flexibility would allow the Hawks to get a better return for the young defenseman. Leddy would most likely bring in a much better player in return than Oduya would. Leddy has also been inconsistent for the Hawks at times, and his persistence in carrying the puck into the offensive zone has cost the Hawks more than a few turnovers.

Oduya Pros

Oduya is an older, declining player who seems as if his better years are behind him. Trading Oduya would shed $3.375 million, and bring a return of a few picks. The Hawks are a great team with a solid core, so young players like one the team would receive if they traded Leddy, may not get a chance to play with the big club, and be stuck in Rockford. A few picks would probably be a better deal in the long run. Oduya is prone to mistakes, and has trouble clearing the defensive zone at times, which has allowed other teams to score on multiple occasions.

Leddy Cons

Leddy is a promising young defensive player, and is the best offensive defenseman the Hawks have on their roster. His upside has, so far, been enough to make up for his mistakes. Leddy becomes a restricted free agent next offseason which would make him easier to re-sign than Oduya.

Oduya Cons

Oduya is very familiar lining up with Niklas Njalmarsson on defense. He has done that for years. The familiarity between the players even stretches to an international level with both players pairing up for Team Sweden during international tournaments. Oduya will also be an unrestricted free agent making him an expendable contract next year when the Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane extensions kick in.

Both players played an integral role in the 2013 Stanley Cup run, and although they are criticized at times, they are both valued members of the Hawks franchise.

So after weighing the pros and cons, what do you think? Trade Oduya or Leddy? Let us know what you think in the comments section.

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