HERE TO STAY! Adam Pelech, Islanders Agree on New Contract

The New York Islanders locked up their star defenseman Adam Pelech to an eight-year contract five days before the two were scheduled to go to arbitration.

The new deal carries an annual average value of $5.75 million, according to Elliotte Friedman, which is a lower AAV than many would have expected the contract to come in at. It is likely the trade-off for the extended length of the contract.

Adam Pelech had just finished the final year of a four-year, $6.4 million contract he had signed back in 2017.

Pelech headlined a group of key restricted free agents that the Islanders needed to re-sign for next season. Anthony Beauvillier and Ilya Sorokin are also among that group.

Adam Pelech was expected to get the biggest raise of the three considering his importance to the team. Pelech has been pair of the Islanders’ top defensive pair along with Ryan Pulock, who have both logged big minutes.

#Isles News: The New York Islanders announced today that Adam Pelech has agreed to terms on an eight-year contract.https://t.co/JqiJEWnM38

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) August 6, 2021

Pelech finished second on the Islanders in total ice-time during the playoffs this past season. He averaged 23:18 during the postseason and 21:03 during the regular season.

Adam Pelech’s strong suit is no his offensive skills, but the 26-year-old defenseman did have 14 points (four goals and 10 assists) in 56 regular-season games. He added another goal and five points during the playoffs.

It’s his defensive prowess that has made the most waves when he is out on the ice. Pelech’s ability to make the smart play in the defensive end of the ice has helped the Islanders on more than one occasion and his ability to use his size and reach have come in handy plenty.

Pelech finished 17th in Norris Trophy voting last season as well.

The new deal ensures that Pelech will remain an Islander through the 2028-29 NHL season. Adam Pelech was drafted by the Islanders in the third round of the 2012 NHL Draft and began his pro career with the then Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

Staying in the family. 🔒

Congratulations to Adam Pelech on his new deal to stay with the @NYIslanders! #AHLGrad pic.twitter.com/ISqDScFphr

— Bridgeport Islanders (@AHLIslanders) August 6, 2021