Grading Adam Pelech’s 2022-23 Season 

Grading Adam Pelech’s 2022-23 Season 

By Ryan Maher 

Adam Pelech Grade B 

Adam Pelech is the Islanders best defenseman, no other way around it. But at times this season, Pelly did not look like himself.  

Now, there were some significant factors that could have influenced this like his concussion that left him sidelined for nearly two months or the fact he was split up from his longtime partner, Ryan Pulock, at parts during the season. However, Pelech had a handful of plays throughout the regular season and playoffs where you said to yourself, “That’s not usually an error Adam makes.” Pelech had 38 PIM, his career high, while playing in less games. No bueno. With the defense struggling at times, I think Adam tried to do too much and it hurt him and the team, which in the end isn't necessarily all his fault. He finished the regular season appearing in 61 games, recording six goals and 15 assists. He was a +15. He reached his career high in shot attempts with 230.  

In his six postseason games, Pelech recorded a goal and an assist but had five defensive zone giveaways including in overtime of game 6 which ended the Islanders season.  

As seen over the last two seasons or so, Adam is slowly discovering some more offensive ability in his game. His skating has improved tremendously throughout his career and puck skills are above the average defenseman. Overall, Pelech had a solid season as usual and I expect him to have a better season next year when Alexander Romanov and Noah Dobson mature another year, easing the responsibilities and minutes on #3.