Kyle Palmieri To Wear 'A' For First Time With Islanders vs. Oilers
Wendell Cruz-Imagn ImagesEAST MEADOW, NY -- When the New York Islanders take the ice for warmups ahead of their game against the Edmonton Oilers, forward Kyle Palmieri will be donning an "A".
After Brock Nelson's departure ahead of the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline, head coach Patrick Roy chose Palmieri and Ryan Pulock to split the "A".
“It was my decision. I think they’re both really good leaders, and I didn't want to choose between the two of them,” Roy said. “Actually, I asked, ‘Which one of you wants to have the ‘A’ at home and which one wants to have the ‘A’ on the road'?’, and Pully said, ‘Palmsy, be it at home and I'll be on the road.’"
Palmieri has served as an alternate captain before, donning the "A" for his final three seasons in New Jersey.
Sergei Belski-Imagn Images"It’s a big honor. Obviously some big shoes to fill, but we got a veteran group and a lot of leaders in this room, so I don't think it changes much as far as how I approach the game and how us as a team approach it,” Palmieri said. “I think for Nelly, he was a great leader for us, and I think as a group, we want to step into that role and fill it as a group.”
Stay updated with the most interesting Islanders stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.