Anders Lee Jam Kancer EAST MEADOW, NY -- After starting training camp on the shelf, the New York Islanders [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/features/oliver-wahlstrom-new-york-islanders-contract-qualifying-offer-injury-free-agency] welcomed forward Kyle Palmieri [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/features/kyle-palmieri-new-york-islanders-2023-24-milestones] back to practice on Wednesday morning. The reason for his absence was never disclosed, but the prognosis was that he was skating on his own every day. "It was nice to get back with the group and start working toward the season," Palmieri said Wednesday. "It's fun to see him out there. Obviously, we've seen him a bit in passing just when he's doing his rehab and whatnot, but to see him back out there with the group is huge and encouraging for us," teammate Brock Nelson said. [He's a] great guy who goes out there, works extremely hard, is a big part of the team -- was last year -- and will be moving forward when he's healthy." Palmieri skated with Nelson and Engvall in his return, the Islanders' best line down the stretch and in the postseason. "It feels really good to see him back here at practice. And I gotta say, he looks really good, too," linemate Pierre Engvall said. Palmieri also rotated in with Oliver Wahlstrom as the net-front player on the Islanders' top power-play unit. Palmieri has missed the first four preseason games, and it still remains a question whether he will get to skate in one of the final two when the Islanders are in Philadelphia Thursday night and back home at UBS Arena on Friday. "I'd like to get into a game, but if it doesn't happen, it doesn't make too big of a difference as far as working toward the season opener," Palmieri said. Lambert is more confident now than he was prior to him rejoining the group. "We'll just see how he progresses." Injuries are nothing new for Palmieri, who has struggled to stay healthy over his Islanders tenure, playing in just 141 games over three years, not including his 17-game stint after being acquired before the 2021 NHL Trade Deadline. Last season, back-to-back head injuries limited him to just 55 games, where he scored 16 goals with 17 assists. He was part of the Islanders' best line, alongside Pierre Engvall and Brock Nelson, as that threesome carried the Islanders' offense in the second half and the postseason. Palmieri lit the lamp two times with three assists. While the Islanders have plenty of depth options, Palmieri is not a player easily replaced, given his long-distance shooting, ability to drive the net, and strong defensive-zone play. We shall see if Palmieri can get into a preseason game, as that will be a true test as to how quickly he can get up to speed after just a few team skates.
