Islanders fans can take a deep breath.

EAST MEADOW, NY -- When New York Islanders defenseman Adam Pelech hit the ice after receiving a Brendan Gallagher elbow to the head on Jan. 25, everyone held their breath. 

The 31-year-old, who had suffered a concussion and missed 21 games in 2022-23, was slow to get up before walking off gingerly with the training staff and missing the remainder of the third period. 

Over the next two days, including the final game before the All-Star break, Pelech wasn't present as concern grew, despite him being listed as day-to-day.

Concussions, if that's what was suffered on the initial hit, are different for everyone, which makes recovery time impossible to predict. 

Given what had just happened with New York Rangers forward Filip Chytil, returning to the ice after a concussion only to collapse during a drill and be ruled out for the rest of the season, the Islanders were going to make sure he was 1,000 percent ready before allowing him to hit the ice. 

So, it was a positive sign when Pelech hit the ice with his teammates Sunday afternoon for their first practice after the break ahead of their game against the Maple Leafs Monday night in Toronto. 

With defense partner Ryan Pulock being activated out of long-term injured reserve Saturday, having Pelech back will be critical to the Islanders fixing their defensive woes and making a run at a playoff spot. 

This story will be updated following the practice.