The New York Islanders are focused on retaining pending unrestricted free agent forward Brock Nelson.
Nelson and his agent Ben Hankinson’s decision in contract negotiations has a tremendous effect on how the Islanders progress as an organization.
That’s not to say Nelson staying or being traded automatically forces the Islanders’ hand, but given that we are in a salary cap world, other contracts must be considered.
Forward Kyle Palmieri is the Islanders’ other pending UFA forward, and not much has been talked about regarding his status with the team going forward.
The 33-year-old, despite a slump before turning it up before the NHL’s 4 Nations break, has been one of the best players under head coach Patrick Roy since the Hockey Hall of Famer stepped foot on Long Island last January.
But, with the emergence of 23-year-old Simon Holmstrom as an offensive threat, does that change the club’s views on Palmieri?
The likely value of Palmieri, who has 37 points (16 goals, 21 assists) on the trade market, is a second-round pick, at the minimum.
Given his playoff experience, ability to play on both special teams and grittiness, there will be plenty of playoff teams calling the Islanders before March 7th’s NHL Trade Deadline.
From conversations, the belief is that Palmieri, born in Smithtown, NY, wants to remain with the Islanders and that the club does have interest in bringing him back.
But at what price?
Palmieri is on an expiring $5 million deal and is likely looking for more, given his output and the cap increase.
However, Palmieri’s contract talks with the Islanders are unlikely to progress until general manager Lou Lamoriello makes his Nelson decision.
If Nelson does re-sign, that makes it more difficult for the Islanders to retain Palmieri.
But even if Nelson is moved, the Islanders still have to decide how to allocate their money to their pending restricted free agents.
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