With the April 12th NHL Trade Deadline right around the corner, things are starting to get clear in New Jersey. The New Jersey Devils announced prior to their game against the Washington Capitals on Sunday, they held out forward Kyle Palmieri for precautionary reasons. It is no surprise the Devils did this with eight days to go until the NHL Trade Deadline. Palmieri’s name has been floated out there for some time. There was some hope Palmieri and the team could work out a new extension. However, after talks broke down over the weekend, the next step was to trade Palmieri. Now things can ultimately change. As nothing is for certain in this business. But as it stands now the Devils and Kyle Palmieri are parting ways. Inside this article, we will take a look at the best trade destinations for Kyle Palmieri
Kyle Palmieri Top Three Trade Destinations
Kyle Palmieri is on every trade bait board from TSN to The Fourth Period. Since coming over from the Anaheim Ducks in 2015, Palmieri has been the most consistent offensive forward for the Devils. From the 2015-16 season to 2019-20, Palmieri was the Devils’ leading scorer. The only time he did not accomplish that was in 2017-18 when Taylor Hall won the Hart Trophy. During that time period, he has tallied at least 24 goals and has come close to hitting that 30 goal plateau multiple times. His production is down this season with eight goals and 17 points in 34 games this season. And that has with the Devils low offensive production, but when he does touch the puck he is still an effective forward.
Kyle Palmieri slated to become an unrestricted free agent in July, it makes the Devils are going to want to trade him. He has a reasonable cap hit at $4.65 million. So most likely he will get a raise next time around. Let’s take a look at the list.
Boston Bruins
The most obvious choice is the Boston Bruins. The Bruins are in desperate need of scoring help. Even though they put up seven goals against Pittsburgh on Saturday. Do not let that fool you as head coach Bruce Cassiday has been vocal in the media about adding scoring. A guy like Palmieri would be a perfect fit for the Bruins. Don’t forget the Bruins were in on Palmieri last season at the trade deadline, but could not get a deal done. He is physical and can score goals. Just look what he has done against the Bruins this season. In six games, Palmieri has five goals. So you know the Bruins would love to add him next to David Krejci and Nick Ritchie. That way the Bruins do not have to break up the top line of David Pastrnak, Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand. However, it will cost the Bruins a player like Jake DeBrusk or a Jack Studinicka and maybe a draft pick as well.
New York Islanders
Another team that could use Palmieri’s services is the New York Islanders. Even the Islanders are still winning, they have been without the services of Anders Lee. Not only was Lee their captain, but a huge part of their offence. Adding a player like Palmieri, while he will not replace Lee, he could fill the role left by his absence. And on the Islanders Palmieri could play either on the first or second line. Not to mention Palmieri could help with the Islanders’ power play as well. The return from the Islanders would be harder to predict. The Islanders could trade a player like Keiffer Bellows, but the Devils are going to want a player that can play now. And not sure the Islanders want to give up on Bellows just yet.
St. Louis Blues
A wild card team in the sweepstakes could be a team like the St. Louis Blues. The Blues are looking for offence. While there have been no specific details out there involving the Devils and Blues. Palmieri could give the Blues that extra punch needed to hold off challengers in the West Division. There has been some talk the Blues want to upgrade their offence and a name like Taylor Hall has been out there. But Palmieri is a cheaper option and plays that style the Blues like to. hard and physical. And while Palmieri is 30-years-old, he can still add to a team offensively. Remember there is always one or two wild card teams out there that come out of nowhere.
Another team that could be involved in this is the Florida Panthers. Remember Kyle Palmieri has a modified no-trade clause. Most likely the Canadian teams are on that list. However, if one of those Canadian teams comes calling and the deal is worth it for the Devils, the Devils would have to go to Palmieri to ask to waive it especially if it improves the team.
Keep your eyes on the Last Word on Hockey as the NHL Trade Deadline is right around the corner.
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