One day later, new Islanders general manager/executive vice president Mathieu Darche proved he does like the team’s core group of players.
The Islanders announced on Friday top-six forward Kyle Palmieri of Smithtown had agreed to a two-year extension and depth defenseman Adam Boqvist agreed to a one-year deal. Darche praised the Islanders’ core during his introductory news conference on Thursday and said he believed last season’s club, which finished 35-35-12, probably should have made the playoffs.
Palmieri’s contract carries an average annual value of $4.75 million and, per PuckPedia.com, carries a no-trade clause in its first season and a modified no-trade clause for 2026-27. Boqvist will carry a salary-cap charge of $850,000.
Palmieri, 34, acquired from the Devils on April 7, 2021, had 24 goals and 24 assists in 82 games last season as he completed a four-year, $20 million deal. Former president/GM Lou Lamoriello said in March after not dealing away Palmieri before the NHL trade deadline that he anticipated re-signing Palmieri.
Boqvist, 24, had two goals and six assists in 17 games with the Islanders after being claimed off waivers from the Stanley Cup champion Panthers on Jan. 31. Chicago selected Boqvist eighth overall in the 2018 NHL Draft.
Andrew Gross joined Newsday in 2018 to cover the Islanders. He began reporting on the NHL in 2003 and has previously covered the Rangers and Devils. Other assignments have included the Jets, St. John’s and MLB.