Eyes On Isles

Kyle Palmieri returns as a full participant at NY Islanders training camp

Carolina Hurricanes v New York Islanders - Game Four
Carolina Hurricanes v New York Islanders - Game Four | Bruce Bennett/GettyImages

After missing nearly the first two weeks of NY Islanders training camp, Kyle Palmieri has made his first appearance with the team since last season.

Suffering an undisclosed injury during the off-season, Palmieri remained away from the ice with the team as he skated on his own. Getting what is hopefully a healthy Plamieri into camp before the season begins allows him time to reintegrate himself into the team.

“I felt good today,” Palmieri said. “It was nice to get back with the group and start working toward getting ready for the season.”

Palmieri faced no restrictions as he was a full participant, taking body checks as the team ran through drills for the day. He slotted back into a comfortable position alongside Brock Nelson and Pierre Engvall - a line that was one of the league's best since the Isles acquisition of Engvall.

“We read off each other well, and those are two easy guys to play with," said Palmieri of Nelson and Engvall. "They’re big, they’re fast, they’re good with the puck, protecting it, and carrying it up the ice, so I just have to be there to support them.”

Aside from rejoining his usual place in the lineup, Palmieri saw time on the power plays first unit. According to Andrew Gross of Newsday, Palmieri was the net-front presence on the top unit, rotating with Oliver Wahlstrom.

"It's fun to see him out there," said Nelson of his linemate's return to the team. "Obviously, we've seen him a bit in passing just when he's doing his rehab and whatnot, but to see him back out there with the group is huge and encouraging for us."

It's unclear if Palmieri will get the opportunity to get his feet under him in either of the Islanders' final pre-season games, scheduled for Thursday and Friday. Wheteher or not he does, he appears ready for the first regular season game against the Buffalo Sabres on October 14.

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