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Islanders Remain Interested in Kyle Palmieri, Could be Looking to Add Depth Forward

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New York Islanders Traded Deadline targets

By Christian Arnold and Stefen Rosner

The New York Islanders are one of the teams interested in New Jersey Devils forward Kyle Palmieri.

NYI Hockey has been able to confirm through NHL sources The Fourth Period and Boston Hockey Now’s reporting that the Islanders are one of five teams lining up to try and acquire the services of Kyle Palmieri. The Islanders and Palmieri have been linked to one another for some time, especially after captain Anders Lee had his season ended last month by an ACL injury.

The Islanders do have several assets, as NYI Hockey Now has explored, that could appeal to New Jersey general manager Tom Fitzgerald in a trade. Lou Lamoriello and Fitzgerald also have a history of making deals, the two were able to work out a trade for Andy Greene last season.

While Palmieri’s offensive numbers don’t stand out this season — it’s been a down year with New Jersey struggling — he has proven to be a consistent 20-plus goal scorer over his career. He also fits the mold of a Lamoriello, Barry Trotz-type player that is a character guy in the locker room and can play several different roles in the lineup.

Palmieri’s $4.65 million cap hit this year means the Islanders would also have ample room to go after another depth forward to bolster themselves for a deep playoff run, and it appears that may be just what they’re doing.

Sources have also indicated to NYI Hockey Now that the Islanders could be turning their attention to a depth move as well in the form of a deal for Los Angeles Kings forward Alex Iafallo. 

Similar to Kyle Palmieri, Iafallo is a New York native, and is on the final year of his current contract. The 27-year-old has appeared in 36 games with Los Angeles this season and has 23 points (nine goals, 14 assists) in that span.

Trading for Iafallo would give the Islanders a depth forward that could find a home on the third line and allow Anthony Beauvillier to return to the second line on a more permanent basis.

The Islanders have been utilizing Beauvillier on the second and third line at times and have had to fill the gap on the third line with Michael Dal Colle sidelined with a lower-body injury. Iafallo would give the Islanders a more skilled option outside of Ross Johnston while Dal Colle is out as well.

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