Earlier today, ESPN’s Emily Kaplan reported (Twitter link) that the Islanders were fearing the worst-case scenario when it came to winger Kyle Palmieri. That is indeed the case as the team announced that the veteran will undergo surgery to repair a torn ACL in his left knee. The recovery timeline for this procedure is six to eight months, meaning he is out for the remainder of the regular season and multiple playoff rounds (should they get that far) at a minimum.
The veteran was injured in the second period of yesterday’s game against the Flyers. While trying to get back to the bench, he wound up intercepting the puck and made a quick pass that eventually led to an assist. Unfortunately for Palmieri and the Isles, it will be his final point of the season, capping his 2025-26 totals at six goals and 12 assists in 25 games. It will also put an end to his team ironman streak which had lasted 223 consecutive games.
The injury is certainly a big blow to a New York attack that sits in the middle of the pack heading into today’s action. Palmieri had notched 54 goals over the last two seasons combined which had earned the 34-year-old a two-year, $9.5MM deal back in the spring. At first glance, either rookie Max Shabanov or veteran Anthony Duclair seem likely to get the first chance to take Palmieri’s spot in their top six forward group.
More to follow.