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Kyle Palmieri has been a popular topic of conversation since the weeks leading up the trade deadline. That’s not going to change anytime soon.
The 29-year-old fan favorite needs a new contract at the end of the 2020-21 season. I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets it in New Jersey – although it is hard to say with so many questions in the front office – but that doesn’t necessarily mean he should.
I know he is a quality goal scorer. I know he is a heart and soul guy. I know he’s never shy about putting his body on the line, be it taking a hit to make a play, blocking a shot, or sticking up for a teammate. That’s what makes him so beloved. That’s also what makes his next contract such a risk.
Palmieri will be 30 by the time he plays a game on his next deal. He’ll turn 31 during Year 1, too. It’s *always* a concern giving term to somebody on the wrong side of 30. It’s even more uncomfortable giving it to somebody who plays such a taxing style.
I mean, Miles Wood is the only member of the Devils who has taken more hits than Palmieri over the last two seasons. Palmieri also ranks 2nd among Devils forwards in blocked shots during that time. His body is always on the line, which is why we see him limping off the ice on what feels like a weekly basis.
Beyond the natural decline of a player, the Devils really have to worry about Palmieri’s body simply falling apart. Though it’s hard to say exactly how Palmieri will age, we’ve seen the wheels completely fall off numerous power forwards in recent years (Milan Lucic, David Backes, James Neal, etc.). There is definitely cause for concern the same could happen with Palmieri.
Unless he is willing to sacrifice term to stay in New Jersey – I’m talking a three or four-year deal – I think the Devils would be better served walking away. And if that’s the plan, it’d be smart to deal him at next year’s trade deadline; so long as the Devils don’t look like they can be legitimately competitive come playoff time, of course.
This is going to be a really interesting storyline to follow over the next 12 months.
Numbers via NaturalStatTrick.com
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