New York Islanders 2017-18 Season: Prospects Hoping To Make Roster

Adam Pelech

Mark this down as player number two who was protected by the New York Islanders in the expansion draft that could, theoretically at least, still play in the AHL next season.

The restricted free agent is currently without a contract, but that should be remedied well before the 2017-18 season starts in October. The Isles have an internal policy where players without a contract can’t participate in training camp.

That should, in-and-of-itself be enough for Pelech to work with the Isles to hammer out a deal over the offseason.

More from Editorials

• Islanders key to success: Load management with goalies
• Islanders Zdeno Chara trending in the right direction
• Islanders: Semyon Varlamov Deserves Benefit of the Doubt
• Islanders Ilya Sorokin becoming number one goalie
• Islanders Zach Parise Was Quiet in Return to Minnesota

In 2016-17 Adam Pelech featured heavily for the New York Islanders. He was recalled from Bridgeport early in the year after a slew of injuries occurred to the Isles blue line. But for a brief six-day stint in Bridgeport, he’d stay with the team for the rest of the season.

In 44 games with the Isles in 2016-17 Pelech put up 10 points it’s not a lot and certainly not worth any praise. But it’s not his production that’s impressive, it’s his ability to control play and exit the zone.

While Johnny Boychuk was out with injury, Pelech was placed on the top pairing with Nick Leddy and held his own. He’s that perfect partner for the more offensively minded blue liners like Leddy and Pulock. Giving them the peace of mind, knowing that should they push forward they still have someone behind them.

The possibility of Pelech playing in the AHL next season seems unlikely. The Isles will hopefully bring up both Pelech and Pulock next season and rotate them and Scott Mayfield as scratches for the 2017-18 season until one makes the Isles decision for them.