Quote:
Originally Posted by GreenLantern
What has been holding Pelech back from making the big club? Is it just a lack of roster space? Or is there something in his game that just isn't clicking with the transition?
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Footspeed, mobility, and decision making would be my guess. Breen looked quite a bit ahead of Pelech when I saw them play for the Heat in Calgary. I think people should temper their expectations of Pelech, not sure he'll be anything more than a depth defenseman at best. When a first year pro passes you on the organizational depth charts, it isn't a good sign and from all accounts (Feaster, Playfair, etc) it sounds like Breen has done that. For a supposed stay at home defenseman, Pelech wasn't making the smart, safe play that Regehr usually would. Breen on the other hand was able to move the puck quickly and efficiently out of pressure.
Wouldn't surprise me if Brodie, Erixon and Breen all see the NHL before Pelech, if he ever does step up. Pelech will find it very hard to win a role if we re-sign guys like Mikkelson, Carson and Babchuk.