This isn't the first time Kyle Palmieri's name has been thrown around heading into the NHL trade deadline. If the Islanders move the winger, it won't be the first time he's been dealt.
But there's one difference between now and when Palmieri had to worry about being traded.
“Knowing” [Islanders general manager] Lou [Lamoriello] Like us, I don't think there's a lot of rumors other than just rumors,” Palmieri said before the Isles played against Columbus on Monday. “For me, I'm just focused on the players on this team and what happens happens. It's really out of my control.”
Lamoriello, who has kept his information under wraps, said earlier this month that he wasn't focused on becoming a seller at the trade deadline and thought the Islanders could still make the playoffs.
But since then, his club have fallen to just nine points from the second wild-card spot before Monday's game. While it's technically still possible to make the postseason, the chances of that happening seem much lower than they did just two weeks ago.
With Palmieri (along with Brock Nelson) becoming an unrestricted free agent this summer, the Islanders face the possibility of him leaving the club for free. So, rumors.
Palmieri is on the 16-team no-trade list, but as a proven goal scorer, the Islanders will likely acquire at least a second- or third-round pick from a playoff team on loan.
“It's not easy [to deal with]” Palmieri said. “Of course, turn on the TV and listen to whatever it is. There are rumors like that going around. But realistically, you have to stay focused.”
It becomes easier knowing Lamoriello has faith in the Islanders to turn things around.
“We have conversations, but usually it's not about that. This is about our team and even if it's just me personally, we can be better as a group. We need to find a way to fix it and get better, even if it's just something,” Palmieri said. “That's most conversations. If you need to have a conversation about [a trade]I'm sure it will. ”
