Islanders’ Casey Cizikas and Kyle Palmieri Talk Future with Team

Cizikas said: “I haven’t thought about it too much personally, that’s a conversation for another day. Right now, I’m just focused on being with the guys, spend these last few days, before everyone kind of heads their own way, together.” Head coach Barry Trotz said of Cizikas, “He’s an Islander.” He added, “You know it and I know it.” Cal Clutterbuck commented on Cizikas potentially moving on: “Casey and I have been playing together for what, nine years now? Eight years? I almost feel like he’s just a part of me as a hockey player….” He added, “I’ve played with the same centerman for the bulk of my career and he’s one of my best friends. He’s Casey. He can light up a room. Especially when I can be grumpy sometimes, he’s always there to be a puppy dog…” He noted he wanted him to stay, but admitted things will have to just work themselves out.

Walker also quotes Palmieri who came over to the Islanders as a trade deadline acquisition from the New Jersey Devils. While he struggled a bit during the regular season — in 17 games he collected just four points — he was incredibly productive in the playoffs, scoring seven goals in 19 playoff games. He offered the kind of depth scoring the Islanders needed after losing Anders Lee to an injury.

Palmieri said, “It was an incredible opportunity for me and I would love to keep that going. There is the business side of it… If it was just for that short bit, I’ll remember it forever.”

At 30, Palmieri probably doesn’t have a lot of time left to cash in on a big extension, so this summer might be his chance to hit the free agent market and make the most of what other teams have to offer.