Palát took that message to heart and told Islanders General Manager and Executive Vice President Mathieu Darche during the summer that he insisted on earning his ice time.  

Palát has proven his worth over the years with eight seasons of 15 or more goals, seven years of 40-plus points and 103 playoff points (51G, 52A). 

Despite his 523 career points and impressive resume, Palát perhaps didn’t have to prove anything, but he told Darche that he was treating this season like it was his rookie year in 2012-13 when a roster spot in Tampa Bay was up for grabs.  

“Last year wasn’t good enough,” Palát said. “I was a healthy scratch at the end of the season and I said my mindset going into the camp is going to be different, it’s gonna be like my first year in Tampa, where I didn’t know if I’m gonna make a team. My mindset was like, ‘I’m gonna show everybody I can play in this league.’ I can play good minutes in this league, and I deserve to have a spot and show everybody I’m ready.” 

Palát’s linemate JG Pageau understands what it’s like to be traded in the middle of a season.  

Pageau was dealt to the Islanders from the Ottawa Senators on Feb. 24, 2020, and helped the Isles reach the Eastern Conference Finals against the Lightning that season. 

The savvy veteran centerman said it’s an adjustment process joining a new team mid-season. Pageau said it takes time to learn about teammate tendencies and how to mesh within a locker room.  

“He’s a big addition to the team,” Pageau said. “Sometimes when you get traded mid-season, there’s the family that’s left behind, there’s a lot that goes into it, so we don’t want to forget that. I feel like he’s right on his game, and we’re lucky to have him.” 

Pageau and Palát have been paired with Anthony Duclair often on the Islanders third line and their connection as three veterans has been apparent.  

Another thing that has been noticeable, at least to Pageau, is the way in which Palát attacked the offseason – both physically and mentally – to be ready for his first full season with the Islanders.  

“He’s been amazing,” Pageau said. “He came in (to) camp I thought with a great attitude, extremely positive, in good shape, and the way he plays, he’s so hard on the puck. He’s so smart when he’s on the ice on both sides, not only in the defensive zone but in the O zone, the way he creates those little plays or makes some room for his line mate, he definitely makes the line mate he’s playing with better so he’s been fun to play with.” 

Holmström echoed Pageau’s sentiment and said that Palát has been a leader for the younger players in the locker room with his wisdom and wit.  

“He came into this training camp of the season with a little revenge maybe and he’s been one of our best forwards so far,” Holmström said. “… unbelievable guy in the locker room, and fun to joke around with and he’s got a couple Cups for a reason, and I’m just very happy for him.”