NHL Trade Rumors: 3 teams who should trade for Kyle Palmieri
New York Islanders
The New York Islanders have several things to worry about this offseason. Before even trying to upgrade their roster that just made the Eastern Conference Final, they’ll have to re-sign Mathew Barzal, Devon Toews, and Ryan Pulock. It’ll probably take around $15 million to $18 million to sign all three, though predicting this offseason’s contracts is admittedly tricky.
If it’s on the higher end of that range, the Islanders would need to clear $10 million of cap space just to sign those three players. Despite this, the Isles have reportedly been doing their due diligence on the trade market and free agency market as they try to add a scorer to their top-six forwards.
Palmieri would be a perfect fit for the Islanders for several reasons. First of all, he’s like clockwork. You can pencil Palmieri in for 20 goals a season. Though his offense gets most of the attention, his two-way play is a bit underrated. He’s far from a liability on defense, which would make him a great fit on a team defined by its defense.
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Most importantly, Palmieri would be a huge addition for the Islanders’ power play. He ranks ninth among all forwards in power play goals since joining the Devils in 2014-15. Palmieri’s versatility is valuable weapon, as he’s capable of scoring around the crease, in the slot, and around the Ovechkin offices (faceoff circles).
Taking on his contract would require some cap maneuvering from the Islanders, but Palmieri’s too perfect of a fit for the Islanders for them to not at least see if it’s possible. Their prospect pool is deep enough that they can afford to get rid of someone like Kieffer Bellows or Oliver Wahlstrom. I imagine the Devils would want at least one of them in any trade.