Islanders: Kyle Palmieri Trade Feels Imminent

With the trade deadline a week away, it appears like we have a domino that is about to fall soon and the New York Islanders should be all over it. Yesterday, Kyle Palmieri of the New Jersey Devils was held out of the game for precautionary reasons.

In layman’s terms, Palmieri is about to get traded. The 30-year-old is on the final year of a five-year $23.25 million contract ($4.65 million AAV). With the Devils out of it, they’ll look to flip the veteran for long-term help.

Enter, Lou Lamoriello. It’s the perfect situation for the Islanders to explore with Anders Lee lost for the season. They need someone who can replace Anders Lee up top and with Palmieri’s ability to play on either wing it seems like a good match.

This year, he has 17 points (8 goals, 9 assists) in 34 games played. Over the previous five years, he’s averaged 26.4 goals a season. He’s an immediate upgrade over Leo Komarov, who is currently skating with Mat Barzal.

Sure, the Isles could also look at a Taylor Hall as well but Palmieri will likely cost less and just “seems” more like the Lou Lamoriello and Barry Trotz guy than Hall. I could be wrong, it’s just how I see it though.

What would it cost the Islanders?

Obviously, a rental is still going to come at a cost for the Islanders. Last year, they sent a 2nd round pick and a low-level prospect for Andy Greene. I’d imagine it would be somewhat similar to the package last year.

A second this year, and a prospect like Blade Jenkins, who is just getting started at the AHL level after putting up good numbers in the OHL could be enough to get it done. Maybe they look for a Kieffer Bellows type but I don’t know if it’ll get up that high in cost in this market.

The Lineup:

Palmieri – Barzal – Eberle

Beauvillier – Nelson – Bailey

Dal Colle – Pageau – Wahlstrom

Martin – Cizikas – Clutterbuck

The Islanders would be wise to explore the rental market this year, and Lou Lamoriello’s New Jersey connection makes this an obvious target.