The NY Islanders should shop their veteran defensemen at deadline

The NY Islanders should look into moving two of their stalwarts on the blue line

Nashville Predators v New York Islanders
Nashville Predators v New York Islanders | Bruce Bennett/GettyImages
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Adam Pelech

Pelech has been with the organization since being drafted in the third round of the 2012 NHL Draft. He made his first appearances in the 2015-16 season but gained a regular position in the 2017-18 season, playing 78 games. The Toronto native has been productive for the Islanders was phenomenal in the Covid bubble playoffs and earned himself an All-Star nod in 2021-22.

The 6'3 defender has never been much of an offensive contributor with 28 points being his career high. Under former head coach, Barry Trotz, Pelech began to thrive in his defensive game and earned top minutes under the current Nashville Predators general manager. Still, injuries reared their ugly head and Pelech has been unable to stay off the IR.

A plus player normally, Pelech has been a minus player these last two seasons and has put himself out of position for too many occasions than the current head coach, Patrick Roy, would like. Being paid $5.75 million a season till 2029 will cause trouble for new acquisitions and this team needs a change as the ceiling appears to be a first-round playoff exit.

Because of his age and salary, it will be difficult to find many suitors despite his on-ice production being solid enough to be useful to a playoff team or even a younger team needing veteran leadership on the blue line.

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