Greene Reunited with Palmieri and Zajac

The New York Islanders commuter crew grew by two on Wednesday night, as Kyle Palmieri and Travis Zajac became the latest New Jersey Devils to join the Islanders in the past 14 months.
The first was Andy Greene, the former Devils captain who was acquired by the Islanders on Feb. 16, 2020, while the second, goaltender Cory Schneider, was signed on Jan. 14, 2021. Needless to say, Greene was excited to see two of his longtime teammates join him for a playoff push on Long Island.

"Obviously it was very exciting. Two great guys. Great people and great players," Greene said. "It's a good message for our team and it's on us. We have to continue to do what we've been doing up to this point and continue to build and be ready for the home stretch and then after that."
Greene played 14 seasons in New Jersey alongside Zajac and five with Palmieri, giving the 38-year-old a lot of insight when asked about the types of players the Islanders acquired. Greene said both Zajac, a versatile, two-way center, and Palmieri, a scoring winger with "an edge" in his game, should fit in just fine.
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"As people and players they should fit right in the way they play, their style and what they bring to the table," Greene said. "They are two different types of players, but both bring, both play in a lot of situations and brings depth up front. Never have too many guys who can step in and be ready."
Greene was in a similar spot to Zajac last season, a tenured Devil on an expiring deal with some say in where he was heading. Greene said he spoke with Zajac prior to Zajac waiving his no-trade clause to impart some experience on an old friend.
"The first thing I wanted to imply or tell him was to make sure he's ready, don't do it just to make a decision, make sure you're mentally ready for it," Greene said. "Just be ready for the opportunity. Be yourself and look out for himself and his family. A decision you don't take lightly."
Zajac said having Greene, as well as Schneider and Palmieri, should help the adjustment.
"He speaks highly of the team, of the coaches, of the staff, of the players," Zajac said of Greene. "To see the success he's had this last year and how he's playing, it's exciting to get back in action with him."

For the 38-year-old Greene and the 35-year-old Zajac, who will turn 36 in May, the reunion offers another chance to chase a Stanley Cup together. The two were part of the Devils run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2012, when the Devils fell in six games to the LA Kings.
"It's awesome," Greene said. "It's way down the road you can't look at it like that, but just the opportunity to battle an compete in the playoffs is special."
Greene and Schneider occasionally carpool together from New Jersey to Long Island. On the road to the playoffs, they may have a full car now with Palmieri and Zajac on board.