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NHL forward Kyle Palmieri is heading back to Long Island.
The 30-year-old right winger, a Smithtown native, was part of a blockbuster trade Wednesday night as the Islanders acquired him and teammate Travis Zajac from the Devils in exchange for forwards A.J. Greer, Mason Jobst, a 2021 first-round pick and a conditional 2022 fourth-round pick.
“When I got the call tonight, it was really difficult to contain the excitement to join this team and this organization,” said Palmieri, who was born on the island but grew up in Montvale, NJ.
The 5’11, 185 pounder is a former first-round pick (26th overall) of the 2009 NHL Draft by the Ducks.
In his 11 seasons in the NHL, Palmieri has posted 183 goals and 172 assists for a total of 355 career points. He was also selected to represent the Devils in the 2019 NHL All-Star Weekend.
With his new team, the veteran has his eyes set on the elusive Stanley Cup.
“I think the opportunity to go and be a part of a team that has a chance to do something special is something every player wants and that’s all you can ask for,” he said. “I’m just really looking forward to this opportunity.”
