Under the Radar Pelech Appreciated by All-Star Peers

Adam Pelech may be under the radar in terms of name recognition around the NHL, but the first-time all-star is very familiar to the game's top forwards.
That's because the Islanders shutdown defenseman is constantly in their face, in their passing lanes and stealing the puck off their sticks. While it may frustrate them during the regular season, they can certainly appreciate Pelech's game - and how good he is at it.

"He's pretty annoying," Flyers captain Claude Giroux joked during Friday's media availability. "His stick is always in the way. He's always in good position, he makes the right play all the time. He's a typical shutdown player and plays against top lines all the time and there's a reason why. I'm excited to play on the same team as him now."

Pelech has 12 points (2G, 10A) in 35 games this season, along with 53 hits, 56 blocks and a team-high 23 takeaways. Pelech also leads the Islanders with 21:22 TOI/GP, much of that against players like Steven Stamkos, who has an appreciation for Pelech's game after recent playoff battles.
"He's a guy that's really come onto the radar the last couple of years," Stamkos said. "He surprised me with just his ability not just to defend, but he makes some really good plays out there too. We kind of go back, I played with his brother (Matt) in minor hockey a little bit. He's a really good, solid player and he's finally starting to get some of that respect around the league as not only being a great defender, but a guy who can make some good plays too."

For reference, Matt Pelech was a former first-round pick by the Calgary Flames in 2005, while his other brother Mike is still playing for the Atlanta Gladiators in the ECHL and recently eclipsed 800 games in the ECHL.
Tom Wilson, who replaced Alex Ovechkin at All-Star Weekend after the Capitals captain entered COVID-19 protocols, played extensively against Pelech growing up in Toronto, so he's long known what the Isles defenseman is all about.
"He was a good friend of mine growing up," Wilson said. "He's mastered his craft at what he does. He does it better than anyone in the league, he's shutdown, he's smart with the puck and makes good plays and just a guy you respect his game."

Connor McDavid played three years with Pelech for the Erie Otters, so like Wilson, he's seen the defenseman's game up close. The Oilers' captain agreed that Pelech's play has been underrated for too long, but now that he's an all-star, the secret is getting out.
"Pelly is probably one of the most underrated guys in the NHL," McDavid said. "He's so hard to play against, he does all of the little things right and he's someone maybe fans and media don't notice too much.
"It just goes to show he's starting to get the recognition that he deserves," McDavid added. "He's a great player and his skill set and his game might not be the most flashy, but for everyone at the all-star game is special and happy he's here."