Alexander Pelevin is an intelligent two-way defenseman who uses his ability to read and react to plays as they develop to create turnovers and drive possession for his team. The standout element in his game is his ability to read and cut off attacking lanes, both in his own zone and while defending the rush. He is a heads-up player who is constantly surveying the ice, able to recognize play away from the puck-carrier in order to eliminate options by getting his stick and body into both shooting and passing lanes. He is not a dynamic skater, but he moves well in all four directions and, in turn, is able to control his gaps and force opposing attackers to the perimeter of the offensive zone while defending. His poise and ability to read the play also extend to his ability as a puck-mover, as he’s able to deliver efficient first passes out of his own zone to start the breakout or carry it himself when he’s able to identify skating lanes through the neutral zone. He is not a dynamic player in the offensive zone, but as he is in most aspects of his game, he is efficient as an offensive player due to his ability to distribute pucks from the blue line well. He’s a very capable passer and can deliver pucks to teammates reliably, though he does lack a sense of high-end creativity to his game. He is also an average to below-average shooter, not often able to get enough weight behind his point shot to create dangerous opportunities or second-chance rebounds when shooting from distance. He will need to add more offensive creativity to his game in order to be a true impact defenseman, but Pelevin currently owns upside as a bottom-four defenseman at the NHL level with the ability to play a major role on the penalty kill.

– FCHockey’s 2022 NHL Draft Guide