It’s time for another edition of NHL rumours. All of the smoke has settled from Friday’s trade deadline. However, there is still plenty to talk about in the rumour mill. We saw major moves made at the deadline, but a number of trades didn’t happen. General managers are now figuring out their next steps and maybe making some signings in the wake of the deadline.
One team that made some significant moves was the New York Islanders. This edition of NHL rumours deals with how a forward that stayed put may be in line for a contract extension.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
New York Islanders May Extend Veteran Forward
Rumour: The Fourth Period reports that the Islanders are trying to extend forward Kyle Palmieri. He was told by Islanders management he wouldn’t be traded and they are working to get an extension. David Pagnotta reported it was a two-year offer.
Analysis: Islanders General Manager Lou Lamoriello made some big moves at the trade deadline. New York dealt veteran forward Brock Nelson to the Colorado Avalanche in part of a retooling. Some thought that Palmieri would be on the way out of Long Island, but he didn’t get dealt at the deadline.
Palmieri would have been a solid addition for a contending team had Lamoriello decided to deal him. However, the Islanders reversed course and are looking to keep the veteran scorer. The 34-year-old has gotten another 20-goal season under his belt and this got him some looks from teams. However, Lamoriello seems like he wants to re-sign the Smithtown, New York native.
We saw the Islanders tear down their roster and start the stockpiling of assets. The Nelson deal saw them net a first-round pick from Colorado and some thought a Palmieri deal would get some sort of return in picks, prospects or players. However, his future seems to be in Elmont.
What It Means
The Islanders are going to have to retool and seem like they’ll miss the Stanley Cup Playoffs. There are a number of good young players in the Islanders’ prospect pool. However, the team still needs veteran players to guide the youngsters along. Palmieri could fit that bill and still provide some offence when needed.
Palmieri is still an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season and he could still sign with a different team. However, the Islanders have a shot to lock him down before he hits the open market on July 1. Ethan Sears of The New York Post wrote that both sides seems to be close on a deal and believe something will happen.
There are some Islanders fans that will question keeping a veteran player when they could get some value for him. Some may think it sends to opposite message of the team trying to conduct rebuild or retooling. However, Palmieri has expressed a desire to stay with the club. There may be some pain on Long Island, but it seems that the veteran forward wants to be part of the process.
Main photo by: John Jones-Imagn Images
