What Islanders Nelson Trade, Upcoming Palmieri Extension Means On Future
Joseph Maiorana-Imagn ImagesThe New York Islanders were interested in retaining Brock Nelson and seem to be close to re-inking Kyle Palmieri.
I can confirm Newsday's Andrew Gross's report that Nelson was offered between $7 and $8 million annually on a three-year deal.
Nelson's camp wasn't willing to accept, and I wouldn't be shocked if he tested free agency this summer instead of signing an extension in Colorado.
As for Palmieri, it's clear his camp was more open to taking a team-friendlier discount.
The belief is that the two sides are working on a 2-3 year deal, coming in between $4-$5 million annually.
But what does this move mean for general manager Lou Lamoriello and the direction of his franchise?
These first two, key decisions tell us that Lamoriello never intended to sell this trade-deadline season.
We can assume that Lamoriello has no genuine interest in blowing up his group, with a retool much more likely than a rebuild given the handful of long-term contracts already given out.
When Nelson would not agree to an extension, Lamoriello had no choice but to move him, and what a haul he got.
Calum Ritchie becomes the Islanders' No. 1 prospect and the expectation is that he'll be in the Islanders' starting lineup for 2025-26.
However, with Palmieri, it's clear that Lamoriello values the player and also believes he can get him back on a reasonable deal.
The Islanders are four points back of a wild-card spot, and keeping Palmieri gives the team a chance to continue fighting for a playoff spot.
Moving Palmieri for picks and prospects, with Nelson already gone and no NHLer coming in to fill his role, would have signaled a waving of the white flag on the season.
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