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FILE - In this May 1, 2014, file photo, Boston Bruins defenseman Johnny Boychuk, left, raises his arms as he celebrates his tying goal, which forced the game into overtime, against the Montreal Canadiens during the third period of Game 1 in the second round of the NHL Stanley Cup hockey playoff series in Boston. At right is center Brad Marchand. The New York Islanders acquired defenseman Nick Leddy and Boychuk and goalie prospect Kent Simpson in trades Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)

Islanders shore up defence by trading for Nick Leddy and Johnny Boychuk

UNIONDALE, N.Y. – The New York Islanders strengthened arguably their biggest weakness by acquiring defencemen Nick Leddy and Johnny Boychuk in separate trades Saturday.

The Islanders got Leddy from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for ex-Toronto Marlies defenceman T.J. Brennan, defensive prospect Ville Pokka and the rights to goaltender Anders Nilsson, who’s a restricted free agent.

New York got Boychuk from the Boston Bruins for a second-round pick in each of the next two drafts and a conditional third-rounder that only goes if the Islanders trade him to an Eastern Conference team this season.

Leddy, 23, was sent out of Chicago so that the Blackhawks could free up some salary-cap space. Chicago signed winger Dan Carcillo to a league-minimum deal early Saturday.

Boychuk, 30, was similarly a victim of the cap in Boston. He’s set to be an unrestricted free agent next summer.

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