NY Islanders unexpectedly have a 'Mr. Cabernet' who Is aging like vintage fine wine

Like a fine wine, Ondrej Palat seems to be getting better with age. At least that's how his New York Islanders teammates see the 35-year-old forward, whose resurgence has become one of the team's most encouraging early-season developments.

As detailed in a feature on NewYorkIslanders.com, Palat has earned the nickname "Mr. Cabernet," courtesy of Mathew Barzal.

"He just ages like a fine wine," Simon Holmstrom explained after presenting Palat with the Islanders' player-of-the-game paddle following Tuesday's 3-2 victory over Anaheim.

Palat scored in the win, continuing a turnaround that seemed unlikely after his difficult introduction to Long Island last season.

Acquired from New Jersey in January, the two-time Stanley Cup champion managed just five points in 29 games with the Islanders. His family remained in New Jersey, and adjusting to a new organization proved difficult.

Rather than accepting that his best hockey was behind him, Palat approached the offseason determined to prove otherwise.

"Last year wasn't good enough," Palat told NewYorkIslanders.com. "My mindset was like, 'I'm gonna show everybody I can play in this league.'"

Pete DeBoer challenged Palat to earn his playing time, and the veteran responded with an impressive training camp.

The offensive numbers remain modest (two goals and an assist through 10 games) but his underlying statistics tell a different story.

Against Toronto on Oct. 17, the Islanders outattempted the Maple Leafs 18-1 at five-on-five with Palat on the ice.

His 65.5% expected-goals share also ranked among the NHL's best, reflecting his effectiveness at both ends.

"He's come back with something to prove," DeBoer said. "I just love his mindset."

For an Islanders team seeking balanced contributions throughout its lineup, Palat's resurgence has been an unexpected boost.

And if Mr. Cabernet keeps playing this way, nobody will be complaining about his vintage.

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