Islanders sign defenseman Adam Pelech to eight-year, $46 million contract
The New York Islanders and Adam Pelech have avoided arbitration.
Pelech and the Isles agreed to an eight-year deal on Friday, the team announced. According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the contract is worth $5.75 million annually.
Pelech is viewed as one of the better defensive defensemen in the NHL. However, he can also contribute on offense. The 26-year-old tallied 14 points (four goals, 10 assists) in 56 games last season, adding five points (one goal, four assists) in 19 playoff games.
New York selected Pelech 65th overall in the 2012 NHL Draft. He has 75 points (16 goals, 59 assists) in 303 career NHL games and 12 points (two goals, 10 assists) in 48 career playoff games.
The Islanders also have to re-sign goaltender Ilya Sorokin and forward Anthony Beauvillier this summer. New York had just over $17.6 million in cap space this offseason before the Pelech signing, according to CapFriendly.
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