7 Facts: Kyle Palmieri

The Islanders
acquired forwards Kyle Palmieri and Travis Zajac
from the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday night in exchange for forwards A.J. Greer, Mason Jobst, the Islanders first round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft and a conditional fourth round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft.
Get to know the Islanders newest winger, who will wear No. 21 for the Blue and Orange, in the latest edition of 7 Facts.
You can read 7 Facts on Travis Zajac here
.

1. HE'S A HOMEGROWN PRODUCT

While Palmieri was raised in Montvale, New Jersey, the 30-year-old was born locally on Long Island in Smithtown. And while in the bulk of his life he has resided in the Garden State, Palmieri still frequents and is immensely familiar with Long Island. The winger spends his offseasons at his home in the North Fork. He also has family located in the Hauppauge and Commack area, whom he often visits.

2. HE'S A USNTDP ALUM AND WON WJC GOLD

After playing two years at St. Peter's Prep School in Jersey City, Palmieri joined the U.S. National Team Development Program and made the move out to Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Along with the USNTDP, Palmieri participated in three World Junior Ice Hockey Championships from 2008-11, the Under-18s in 2008, and the World Juniors in 2010 and 2011. Palmieri and Team USA picked up bronze medals at the U-18s in 2008 and at the World Juniors 2011. In 2010, Palmieri totaled nine points (1G, 8A) through seven games of Team USA's gold-medal winning run where they topped Team Canada - which was led in scoring by Jordan Eberle - with a 6-5 overtime win.

3. HE WENT THE COLLEGE ROUTE

Like Anders Lee, Palmieri - who was drafted by Anaheim in the first round (26th overall) of the 2009 NHL Draft - also opted to pursue the college hockey route and played for the University of Notre Dame in the 2009-10 season, missing Lee by one season.
In his single season of play with the Fighting Irish, Palmieri totaled 17 points (9G, 8A) in 33 games.

4. INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE

Outside of the WJCs, Palmieri has additional experience representing the United States. At the 2012 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Championships in Stockholm, Sweden, Palmieri and Team USA advanced to the Quarterfinals before losing to Team Finland 3-2.
Palmieri registered four points (2G, 2A) during that stretch.

5. VERSATILE GOAL-SCORING WINGER

While Palmieri is on the smaller side, with his 5-foot-11, 185-pound stature, the right shot is versatile and has a knack for the scoring areas, often around the crease. Whether it's at even-strength or on the power play, Palmieri finds a way to get to the net and get on the board.
Since the 2015-16 season, he's scored the sixth-most goals by right wingers across the NHL with 140 goals. He's recorded five-straight seasons having produced at least 20 goals and 40 points.

6. NHL ALL STAR

Palmieri made his first appearance to the NHL All Star Game in 2019. While his former New Jersey teammate Taylor Hall initially received the invitation, but was injured and unable to attend, Palmieri was plenty deserving. In the 2019-20 season - prior to the NHL's pause issued on March 12 due to the COVID-19 pandemic - he had already compiled 45 points (25G, 20A) through 65 games.

7. HE GIVES BACK

Palmieri has his own nonprofit foundation called the Kyle Palmieri Foundation which creates initiatives focused around giving back to former members of the U.S. military.
Prior to the pandemic, Palmieri's Foundation put on an annual Military Ball which hosts auction items, music, mingling with his former New Jersey teammates and all proceeds benefits military and veteran organizations.
Palmieri and his wife Ashlee also own two rescue dogs named Penelope and Piper.