The New Jersey Devils made noise on Wednesday night. They traded longtime forwards Travis Zajac and Kyle Palmieri to the New York Islanders. It really came as no surprise that the Islanders were the ones these players went to. The Devils and Islanders have a history, all be it a short one of being trade partners. Not to mention the Devils knew their fate this season and wanted to do right by both Palmieri and Zajac. And who better to send those players to than Lou Lamoriello and the Islanders. Since both players want to win a Stanley Cup, the Islanders give them the best chance to do that and the Devils knew it.
Kyle Palmieri and Travis Zajac Get Opporunity To Win
It is no secret that Travis Zajac and Kyle Palmieri want to win a Stanley Cup. What player doesn’t? However, that was not going to happen with the Devils. Since being drafted by the Devils in the first round, 20th overall in the 2004 NHL Draft, Zajac has been to one Stanley Cup Final in his career. That came in 2012 when the Devils went all the way to the Stanley Cup Final losing to the Los Angeles Kings. Zajac was an integral part of that team scoring a big overtime goal in the first round against the Florida Panthers. However, outside of that appearance, he has been to the second round once in 2006-07. But for the most part with his time with the Devils, he has missed the playoffs. No fault of his own, the Devils just didn’t have the team to make the playoffs. His last playoff appearance came in 2018.
Kyle Palmieri on the other hand did not start out his career with the Devils. He was brought over from the Anaheim Ducks. Palmieri saw success early on with the Ducks as Anaheim was a powerhouse in the Western Conference. However, he could not find a role on the Ducks team. So the Devils came a calling and Palmieri found a home on the top line. Unfortunately for Palmieri and the Devils, the team just came up short of making the playoffs outside of the 2017-18 season.
And by the time the Devils are ready to contend again, both Palmieri and Zajac would be past their prime.
Showing Class
As previously mentioned the Devils knew their fate long before this trade happened. The organization knew both players wanted a chance to win a Stanley Cup. The Islanders came calling last year for Travis Zajac, however, he did not want to waive his no-trade clause to finish his career with another team. However, this time when the opportunity came calling by former Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello, he could not miss the opportunity again for competing for a Stanley Cup. And the Islanders are the perfect organization to go to.
The Islanders are in a primed position to win this season. They are sitting near the top of the East Division. And the Devils knew trading Palmieri and Zajac to the Islanders was the smart move and the classy thing to do. Considering where both players are in their careers. Especially Zajac. As a matter of fact, it was the only thing to do. The Islanders needed depth at the forward position with Anders Lee hurt. Palmieri fills the role of Lee on the second line and could play top-line minutes. While Zajac will be a face-off and penalty kill specialist.
Grateful For Their Time In New Jersey
Both Palmieri and Zajac are forever grateful for their time in New Jersey. Zajac was given an opportunity by the Devils to play in the NHL. Not to mention he is only one of four players to play 1000 games with the Devils organization. And now he will get a shot to win a Stanley Cup. Palmieri, a Jersey Boy, grew up in the Devils youth system and was given the chance to play for his hometown team. Not to mention all the charity work Palmieri has done with the Devils. Now he has a chance to make a deep playoff run.
By doing right by both of these players, the Devils leave the door open to bring back both these players in the offseason.
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