New York Islanders 5 Worst Contracts on 2018-19 Roster

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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 26: Adam Pelech #50 of the New York Islanders reacts in the third period against the Florida Panthers during their game at Barclays Center on March 26, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

5. Adam Pelech

Cap Hit: $1.6 million
Production: 5 points, 17 games

Adam Pelech has been so poor for stretches this season that Barry Trotz has been forced to play Luca Sbisa in his spot. At 24-years-old, Adam Pelech should be at the point of his career where he’s taking a step forward. Instead, he’s taking a step back.

Adam Pelech is the embodiment of what has been plaguing the New York Islanders defense for the last two seasons. It’s not that he’s the reason they’ve been poor. It’s that his play sums up everything the Isles have been doing wrong defensively.

And this year that poor defensive play has already earned him a number of healthy scratches from the team.

Pelech has displayed poor situational awareness, bad positioning, poor gap control, and no attention to detail. And that’s earned him a seat in the press box more than once this season.

The New York Islanders shouldn’t have to use Luca Sbisa unless forced to due to injury. But because of Adam Pelech’s play, they’ve been forced to do just that.

Adam Pelech shoots left, as such he’s arguably standing in the way of Devon Toews from getting into the Islanders roster. Devon Toews has 17 points in 18 AHL games this season and 84 points in 124 career AHL games.

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Pelech’s $1.6 million might not sound like a lot, but when the Islanders aren’t getting anything from him but being a warm body on the blue line it’s a problem. Keep in mind that Toews, who could and probably should be in Pelech’s spot carries a $700,000 NHL cap hit.

With Toews, the Islanders could bring in a player that is arguably better for half the cost.