Don't do what happens to most players yet to appear on the NHL scene. Don't paint his exact style and mannerisms and how he will play. There is a lot more to this big young kid than a "nasty defensive D-man". We have been posting updates on his progress following every Comets' game. If you have followed them you would know this already.
First off, he is a hard hitting D-man in his own zone, but he does not run around seeking the big hit or spend a lot of time planning the path to set up a big hit. He plays his position, angles guys off, pokes the puck or picks it off their sticks any time such a move is available (he has a F-16 wing span). He will turn with a guy trying to go wide and skate with him taking him out of the play as well as taking away the passing lane which is the common move for a good D-man. He will also take any guy to the boards if it's there. In other words he plays defense as it should be played.
His vision is good and he will hit the first man on the outlet with an accurate, crisp first pass. That pass can also be an accurate bullet stretch pass as well. He is also capable of taking the puck and heading up ice to start a rush. He skates very well. I didn't say skates well for a big man, I said skates very well. He has actually gone coast to coast and been back to play his position afterwards.
He has a cannon for a shot, but will have to work hard to gain good control of it. He has already taken force off of it in order to make sure he gets it to the net. He needs to keep adding force until he can take the bomb and get it there. Many opponents have learned just how hard the good one is by blocking it and crumpling to the ice or hobbling off. It hurts people and soon they will clear out and leave it to the keeper which means it can be tipped and the rebound will be available because stopping it is paramount and controlling the rebound is second thought. If they stay in the way, the goalie will never pick it up coming through a screen or past a ducking, turtling, or flamingoed defender.
He is strong, a good skater, has a good shot, hits hard, passes well, and if pressed he can throw 'em like no other we've seen him tangle with. He shakes guys by the collar with his brute strength and their helmets pop off. He has shredded one guys jersey this way. If he can land a clean punch, it's usually over. He was never trained as a fighter. He just does it. The best part is he doesn't look for this. He is perfectly satisfied to play the game and go home without a fight.
Most teams who have challenged him end it with one go and the next game leave it be. Adirondack has tried a couple different guys and it didn't work. So, he is not a goon. He is not a fighter who can also play a little hockey. His resume at the moment is being written as a very solid Defenseman who if he has to can more than handle himself against all comers. He will also take on anyone attempting to abuse one of his mates.
This 21 year old kid's future is unlimited at the moment. He is still growing into his body for crimey sakes. The ceiling has yet to be reached. Benning's desire to create a tough stay at home D-man may have already been surpassed by sheer demand of the game as it has been played in Utica. They are a puck control team and everyone has to participate for that to work. When their D is the right 6 this game is played to the extreme and they are very good at it. If the bozos could finish, this team would be unbelievable. Pedan fits in very well. He is by no means a bottom pairing. Green doesn't have actually 1st, 2nd, 3rd pairings. He rolls 'em and Pedan is often up against the opponents 1st or 2nd units and has handled himself very admirably.
So don't formulate any preconceived notions. It's too soon. He still makes blunders and gets out of position once in a while. He's raw, but refining by the game. Next year he will get much better if the learning curve continues. If it does he could be something way beyond expectations or it may just stop at some point and that's what you'll have. No one knows exactly where that will be. His growth is a one fun ride to watch.