The practice, which lasted about an hour, was Palmieri's first time skating with the team since he suffered a lower body injury on Oct. 22 in practice. Palmieri jumped right in where he left off, taking his place on the top line left wing with Nico Hischier at center and Taylor Hall on the right wing.
Tweet from @NJDevils: #NJDevils forward @kylepalmieri is back on the ice for team practice today at @njdhockeyhouse! pic.twitter.com/VPFX4AI59C
Hynes considers Palmieri a "good possibility" to play Thursday against the Edmonton Oilers, and if Palmieri does return, he will be a welcome addition back into the fold.
"Kyle is a huge part of our team," Hynes said. "He really is an identity player for us."
Palmieri himself is eager to get back in the lineup.
"These things (injuries), it's kind of one of those that take a long time. I had one earlier on in my career that I had a lot of trouble with. … I didn't want to rush it or put myself behind the eight-ball. I needed to let it take its course. Everything feels good now."
With Palmieri ready to return, Marcus Johansson will likely to go on Injured Reserve in order to activate Palmieri. Johansson has been out with a concussion since Nov. 1.
Meanwhile, the team is hoping to put an end to their three-game winless streak Thursday.
