New York Islanders
Getting Healthier: Nelson and Palmieri Join Islanders for Practice
The New York Islanders welcomed back two familiar faces to the ice for practice on Monday morning. The two players were forwards Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri.
Brock Nelson is on the ice this morning for #Isles practice. pic.twitter.com/khNTNh9Fp4
— Stefen Rosner (@stefen_rosner) January 3, 2022
Kyle Palmieri is also on the ice for practice. He is behind Brock Nelson at the end of this short video. #Isles pic.twitter.com/cakLMCZlUR
— Stefen Rosner (@stefen_rosner) January 3, 2022
With Nelson back on the ice, that means he is out of COVID-19 protocol. That leaves Sebastian Aho (Dec. 30) as the only player left in COVID-19 protocol, with assistant coach John Gruden and goaltender coach Piero Greco being put into protocol on Jan. 1.
Nelson has missed nine games this season due to an injury and a five-day stay in COVID-19 protocol. He has not played since Dec. 19 in the shootout loss to the Vegas Golden Knights.
The 30-year old has 10 goals and three assists on the season, with his goal total tied for the team lead with Anders Lee.
Palmieri has not been seen since the game against the Boston Bruins back on Dec. 16, as he left that game with a lower-body injury.
Islanders head coach Barry Trotz stated that he had been skating on his own and rehabbing and made it known that playing time was not guaranteed when he returned as others have stepped up.
Palmieri signed a four-year, $20 contract this past offseason after scoring seven goals in 19 postseason games with the Islanders.
But in 25 games in 2021-22, Palmieri only has one goal and six assists. His lack of productivity is concerning, given that his offensive production was the prime reason for his contract.
Defenseman Ryan Pulock has been skating on his own and rehabbing a lower-body injury (LTIR), but has not yet joined the Islanders for practice.
There is no timetable for his return.
Trotz did not join the Islanders for practice on Monday. Due to personal reasons, he did not coach the Islanders in their 3-2 win over the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday.