The New York Islanders are riding a five-game winning streak, but the reality of their situation remains bleak. Sitting five points out of the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot and with five teams to leapfrog, the Isles’ postseason hopes are slim. This has fueled New York Islanders rumors that general manager Lou Lamoriello will shift into seller mode ahead of the March 7 NHL trade deadline.
According to Larry Brooks of the New York Post, if Palmieri remains an Islander past the trade deadline, something is seriously wrong. He claims the New Jersey Devils have strong interest in reuniting with the veteran winger, who spent parts of six seasons in New Jersey before being dealt to the Isles in 2021.
Could the Islanders Trade Kyle Palmieri Back to the Devils?
At 33 years old, Palmieri is still a productive middle-six forward. This season, he has provided secondary scoring and a veteran presence for an Islanders squad struggling to keep pace in the playoff race. However, with the Isles teetering on the edge of irrelevance, moving Palmieri for assets makes sense.
The Devils, meanwhile, are in need of additional forward depth for a serious playoff push. Injuries and inconsistencies have plagued their lineup, making Palmieri an ideal trade target. He’s familiar with New Jersey’s system, is capable of slotting into a top-nine role, and has the playoff experience they need.
The primary hurdle in any potential deal is Palmieri’s contract. He carries a $5 million cap hit through the 2024-25 season, which could complicate trade negotiations. New Jersey would likely ask the Isles to retain a portion of his salary to facilitate a deal. Additionally, the return for Palmieri would likely be a mid-round draft pick or a prospect, depending on how much salary retention the Isles are willing to take on.
Lamoriello has publicly stated that his team’s performance will dictate his approach at the deadline. While the five-game winning streak has been encouraging, being five points out of a playoff spot in a tightly contested Eastern Conference isn’t an ideal position. If the Islanders remain on the outside looking in by March, expect Palmieri’s name to stay hot in trade discussions.
Latest New York Islanders News, Trade Rumors & TV Schedule
Stay up to date with the latest New York Islanders rumors, NHL trade rumors, and find out what channel the Islanders game is on TV today by visiting nhltraderumor.com. Bookmark us and sign up for our newsletter below.
