How Adam Pelech became one of the NHL’s best (and most underrated) defensive defensemen

Daily Faceoff’s Scott Maxwell highlights New York Islanders defenseman Adam Pelech as one of the NHL's elite modern shutdown defensemen. Rather than relying on physical hits, Pelech utilizes positional awareness, skating speed, and stick work to excel defensively. His standout play gained prominence during the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he helped neutralize Sidney Crosby under then-head coach Barry Trotz.

Maxwell notes that Pelech’s advanced metrics place him among top blueliners like Jaccob Slavin and Chris Tanev, despite remaining largely flying under the radar among casual fans. Pelech credits his development to youth coaching, junior hockey with Robbie Ftorek, and Trotz's structured defensive system.