Nick Leddy on Islanders' struggles: They'll figure things out

DETROIT — Nick Leddy is still "good buddies" with his ex-Islanders’ teammates. So, the Red Wings defenseman expects his former team to be able to turn its season around.

"That’s a special group and they know how to win," Leddy said on Saturday before facing the Islanders for the first time since being traded to Detroit on July 16 for Richard Panik and a second-round pick. "The COVID stretch and playing on the road for so long to start the season, those are not easy experiences. I think, for them, it will only make this team stronger."

Leddy was an integral part of the Islanders for seven seasons, including their back-to-back runs to the NHL semifinals the last two seasons. But president and…