The Islanders re-signed defenseman Nick Leddy to a seven-year extension worth a reported $38.5 million. Acquired by Team President and GM Garth Snow from Chicago a day before the season, the 23-year old has fit in well under coach Jack Capuano. His eight goals pace all Islander defensemen and 25 points rank second behind another wise off-season pick up Johnny Boychuk (28).

Locking up Leddy is a wise investment. At 23, he continues to evolve as a player. While the length is always a risk, an average cap hit of $5.5 million is in line with other young blueliners. Teamed with Boychuk, he helps anchor the back end while contributing offensively. The top trio of Boychuk, Leddy and Travis Hamonic are a combined plus-39. With Leddy and Hamonic signed through 2017-18, that’s two-thirds of the top three.

Boychuk, who turned 31 last month, can become unrestricted this summer. Currently making $3.6 million in the final year of a deal originally signed with Boston, he’ll prove more difficult keeping. An Edmonton native, rumors have circulated that he could go home returning to play for the Oilers. Would he really want to be part of a rebuild for more cash rather than stay with a emerging playoff contender? That remains to be seen.

At least for now, the Islanders have made a sound commitment to a top four defenseman who’ll be a big part of their future. With second-year man Calvin de Haan still developing, that’s three-fourths of the club’s top four. The best aspect is Leddy, Hamonic and de Haan are all 24 and younger. With former first rounder Griffin Reinhart close to ready, they boast a quartet that should patrol the blueline for the next decade.

With vet Lubomir Visnovsky unlikely to re-sign and Brian Strait unrestricted, the look of their back end could change. However, Thomas Hickey is restricted and Matt Donovan is also Group II. Depending on if Snow can convince Boychuk to stay, the Islanders still should be solidified on D.