Observations:

January 2017 – Adam Pelech was called up in November 2016 and has since played a dozen games with the NHL Islanders. He was able to score his first NHL goal, and contribute another two assists. Although Pelech is not going to be relied on for his offensive ability in the NHL, he has shown the ability to be a point producer in junior. Pelech continues to be a great option for the Islanders in the near future and down the road as a depth defenseman who is capable of playing good minutes and being responsible defensively. A great passer, good hockey sense, and reliability are the keys to his game. Kevin Pedersen

May 2016 – In January, Adam Pelech played in five straight NHL games while Johnny Boychuk was injured, and was drawing solid reviews from his coaches and teammates.  Unfortunately, he then suffered an untimely upper body injury which cost him nearly three months.  Pelech returned to the Islanders lineup for the final two games of the regular season, but has been a healthy scratch throughout the playoffs.  Pelech will finish the year with two assists in nine NHL games, and two goals and five assists in 27 games for Bridgeport.  He was a high scoring defenseman in the OHL, so there is reason to think his offensive totals will increase.  However, Pelech’s main issue is his internal competition.  The Islanders have five veteran rearguards on one-way contracts for next season, which leaves Pelech to fight with 2013 first rounder Ryan Pulock for the sixth and final spot.  To this point, Pulock has been a better option both in terms of offensive production and defending.  As things stand now, Pelech may be only a seventh defenceman or injury call-up. Brent Craswell

Nov 2015 – Pelech has two goals and two assists in 14 games for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers and has recently been called up to the Islanders roster but has seen no games yet. He has been one of the better defensemen for the Sound Tigers as he has been a strong two-way force and deserved the call up. Pat Quinn

Oct 2015 – Pelech was one of the final cuts for the Islanders at training camp. He will likely spend the entire year in the AHL for the Sound Tigers as there are more players ahead of him on the depth charts. Pat Quinn

June 2015 – Coming out of the OHL, and increasing his point total every season, Pelech was thought to have a higher offensive upside than many had predicted. However his first season in Bridgeport he only had 11 assists in 65 games. Now his points did increase each year in the OHL but in the AHL he seemed to stay in comfort zone and not attack like he did as he ended his junior career. He is a steady reliable player who plays his game and does not attempt to take himself out of position pinching for the offensive chance. He looks to become a steady stay-at-home style defender in the NHL so expect to use him more for the peripheral stats instead of points. Pat Quinn

May 2014 –Pelech was named to the OHL's 2nd All-Star Team joining Connor McDavid, Scott Kosmachuk, Michael Dal Colle, Nikita Zadorov and Matt Murray.  Brendan Ross

May 2014 – Pelech finished the season with 54 points in 60 games and a plus-52. He then went on to post seven points in 14 grueling playoff games. Pelech signed a three year entry level contract in march and will likely play a large role in Bridgeport this season. Brad Wilson

March 2014 – Pelech continues to roll for the Otters. He has racked up six assists over the last three games as his OHL squad thrashed Plymouth, Windsor and Kitchener, 11-2, 6-1 and 7-3 respectively. The Isles future defender now has 52 points in 59 games. Brad Wilson

February 2014 – Islanders prospect Adam Pelech led all OHL blue liners in the January scoring with 17 points (all of them assists) and an impressive plus-13 rating in 10 contests. His outstanding monthly performance was good enough to earn Pelech OHL Defenseman of the Month honours for January. Brendan Ross

January 2014 – Pelech has been enjoying another strong season for the Otters. A notable improvement is to that of his defensive game. Pelech has taken his minus-16 from a year ago and turned it into a delightful plus-33 through 40 games this year. Brad Wilson

January 2014 – Pelech managed one assist in seven games for Canada at the WJC. The Canadians struggled in the semifinal game and stumbled to a fourth place finish. Brad Wilson

December 2013 – Pelech will lend his talents to the Canadian Junior Team for the World Junior Championships. He has NHL size and will be an anchor on the Canadian blueline. Often used against top forwards, his calm under pressure will be a useful tool in the quest for gold. Brad Wilson

November 2013 – Pelech has been mostly known as a stay-at-home defenseman but added a little offense to his game last season. He has continued that this year in Erie as he has totaled 15 points through the first 23 games while posting an attractive plus-14. Injuries may have stunted his growth slightly, keeping him out of Isles prospect camps prior to this past summer however he seems to be rounding into a smart and capable option for the Isles future blueline. With so many offensively gifted D in the system there will be a need for a player with Pelech's pedigree. Brad Wilson

March 2013 – Pelech is a strong, physical defenceman who is on a rebuilding Erie Otters’ team. He has good gap control and is effective at using his long reach to steer away the opposition. He is positionally sound and anticipates the play well. This year, he has been a fixture on the powerplay with his heavy shot as four of his seven goals are on the powerplay. He has also taken on a leadership role, while donning the ‘A’ for the Otters this season. Sometimes, he tries to do too much and must work on his mobility. He has another campaign in Erie. Nephew of Mike Gillis, brother of Matt Pelech. Brad Wilson

Fantasy Outlook: B

Good positional play and leadership, with a dash of offense. Look for Pelech to challenge for a role with the Islanders or in the least be a heavy minute muncher in Bridgeport as he continues to develop.

Footage:

Pelech defending a teammate

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