FEATURE: Palmieri Impacts Devils Both On and Off the Ice

Although the New Jersey Devils season saw highs and lows, one thing that remained consistent was Kyle Palmieri and his offensive contributions. The Alternate Captain led the team in goals (25) and points (45) and was on track for a 50-point year when the season was placed on pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I was happy to be able to contribute offensively and give ourselves a chance to win," said Palmieri. "I think things started to come together pretty well towards the end and before the pause there, and I think one of the most exciting things was, we were giving ourselves a chance to win every night."

Palmieri's impact went beyond the scoresheet. This year's Devils team skewed younger than years past, and as a veteran, Palmieri focused on being a positive role model with his actions.

"Showing up every day and working hard," said Palmieri. "I think the competitive nature that's required to play in this league, to get into this league, everybody has it, but you want to be a guy who leads the way."

"I want to do my part individually, whether that being a voice for some of the young guys or being a guy who can be looked upon to be there and work hard every night and compete. I think that's one of the things that you want to make sure you bring every day to the rink."

Palmieri continues to be a leader for this team during the time away, and has worked on keeping the team connected throughout this time with help from Devils Interim Head Coach, Alain Nasreddine.

"I've talked to him quite a bit over these last couple of weeks [on] finding ways to keep our team connected and keep that kind of chemistry we're building," explained Palmieri. "Guys, they spread out pretty quickly, going back to their offseason places. [There's] a group chat guys stay involved and plugged into that you try to keep the locker room atmosphere going a little through the group chat."

Even though Palmieri already wears an 'A' for the Devils, he discussed what it would mean to him if the organization chose to name him Captain.

"That'd be a huge honor," said the New Jersey native. "I think it's something that I've learned a lot from the guys that wore the C on teams that I've played for, and that's something that if it's a possibility, and they decided to make a decision moving forward, then it would be a huge honor for me. But I haven't thought a lot about it. It's kind of one of those things that it reveals itself. And there's a lot of guys that have made steps in the last couple of years in forming what we want as an organization."

"We're starting to build the blocks towards being a respected organization and there's a long way to go. But no matter what happens with that, I think it's something that, as we look forward, we have to get better as a team and I have to get better as an individual."

Even with the work to do, Palmieri is firm in his commitment and belief in the Devils organization and its future.

"The young building blocks are something that you're seeing starting to come together," said Palmieri on the organization's future. "I love being in New Jersey, I love being close to home, and I have a ton of belief in this organization moving forward."