When the Islanders needed to find a scoring winger after Anders Lee went down with a season-ending ACL injury, Lou Lamoriello acquired Kyle Palmieri, along with Travis Zajac, from the New Jersey Devils. Now, the Islanders need to re-sign Palmieri.

Islanders fans probably thought that Palmieri would replace Leo Komarov on the first line. However, the Long Island native has found a home on the third line next to Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Oliver Wahlstrom or his injury replacement, Travis Zajac.

It took Palmieri some time to get adjusted to the Islanders system. Palmieri had four points through 17 regular-season games. Fans were starting to get worried, but the wait has been worth it.

Playoff “Palms”

Kyle Palmieri leads the Islanders with six goals in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. In his first playoff appearance with the Islanders, Palmieri worked his magic. With 3:30 left in overtime of Game 1 in Pittsburgh, Palmieri sniped one past Tristian Jarry to give the Islanders a 1-0 series lead. In addition to the game-winner, he also scored the first goal of the game.

Another OT winner 🚨🏒

Kyle Palmieri wins Game 1 for the Islanders!

🎥: @NHL pic.twitter.com/SGV2n7phJY

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) May 16, 2021

Many fans think the Islanders shouldn’t re-sign Kyle Palmieri this offseason due to the Islanders’ lack of cap space and the fact that the team’s young talent should get a shot at playing as regulars. I disagree.

Palmieri has been a huge part of the Islanders’ ongoing playoff run, and if he keeps it up he certainly deserves an extension. Although the Islanders got him for the playoffs since they’d be without Lee, keeping Palmieri next season would solidify the Islanders’ depth once Lee returns. Kyle Palmieri should be a top priority in the offseason, even with limited cap space.

The Islanders have some tough decisions to make in the offseason, but Palmieri should be an Islander next season.

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Jacob

Writer for Drive4Five covering the New York Islanders.