Report: Promising Islanders D-man Pelech May Be Lost For Season

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Adam Pelech made an excellent first impression with the Islanders. He may not get to make a second one for some time.

According to Newsday, the impressive rookie defenseman may be out for the season due to an upper-body injury suffered last week in a game against the rival Rangers.

While the exact nature of the injury has not been released by the team, head coach Jack Capuano told Newsday the ailment is a "freak thing."

Pelech stepped in nicely for the Isles following injuries to studs Johnny Boychuk (shoulder, out four to six weeks) and Travis Hamonic (foot, two to three weeks), posting a pair of assists and an even rating in five games while averaging roughly 18 minutes of ice time. While not flashy, the 21-year-old Canadian showed tremendous defensive awareness and a penchant for moving the puck.

Capuano said Wednesday there is a chance Hamonic could return Friday at Ottawa, the first of three games the Islanders will play leading into the All-Star break.

For the time being, New York will continue to utilize veterans Brian Strait and Marek Zidlicky, in addition to rookie Scott Mayfield, in the second and third pairings.

The Islanders are currently in third place in the Metropolitan Division, one point behind the Rangers.