Who could lead the Islanders in goals in 2022-23?

Kyle Palmieri

If "forget the first half of 2021-22 Kyle Palmieri" is the one we get all of next season, then the potential is bright for a high-scoring campaign.

Palmieri was added by Lamoriello at the 2021 trade deadline for the Islanders' playoff push, and fans got to see what he was capable of doing at his best in the playoffs. So much so that it seemed like the Islanders had to choose between keeping him or Jordan Eberle in the offseason that followed, and with controversy among fans, Palmieri ended up being the one to stay.

Eberle may have shown more flash and speed off the wing and had definite chemistry with Mat Barzal, but Palmieri was chosen because he fit the role of the team's identity more. Eberle was small and avoided the dirty areas, while Palmieri was rough and tumble and acted like a power-forward.

This past season, fans who would have preferred Eberle to stay had a lot to say when he got off to a hot start, but Palmieri had only one goal for the longest amount of time it seemed. But after Barry Trotz told him to "forget the first half of the season" and instead focus on the second half, a whole new beast was born.

He only finished with 15 goals by the season's end, but that's a mighty improvement after only having 1 in the first 29 games. If that pace were to continue into this season the Islanders will find success on likely the second line and power play and say a breakout happens, the sniper could be one of the team's finest leaders by example.