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New Jersey Devils: Kyle Palmieri Point Prediction For 2018-19 Season

By Nick Villano

MONTREAL, QC - SEPTEMBER 17: Look on New Jersey Devils right wing Kyle Palmieri (21) during the New Jersey Devils versus the Montreal Canadiens preseason game on September 17, 2018, at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC - SEPTEMBER 17: Look on New Jersey Devils right wing Kyle Palmieri (21) during the New Jersey Devils versus the Montreal Canadiens preseason game on September 17, 2018, at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Over the next few weeks, Pucks and Pitchforks will release their points predictions for every starting player on the New Jersey Devils main roster. Tonight, we predict likely top-line right winger Kyle Palmieri.

The New Jersey Devils are trying things out on their top line at the right wing position. While Kyle Palmieri spent most of his season there, head coach John Hynes hasn’t put him there so far this preseason. That doesn’t mean much, as I expect Palmieri to end up there, because that’s the best possible first line the Devils could produce.

Palmieri is the perfect partner for Taylor Hall and Nico Hischier. He has a laser shot, and is deadly accurate. If he can stay healthy, he’s a 30 goal scorer. He was on pace to score 31-32 goals last season, but he missed 20 games. He still ended up with 24 goals, even playing through some injuries.

Since coming to the Devils, Palmieri has rocketed up the charts offensively. He’s scored 80 goals in the past three seasons after posting a career high of just 14 prior to the 2015 trade. It’s been really rewarding to watch Palmieri blossom into the player he is today.

Looking ahead to this season, Palmieri comes into camp fully healthy. He’s looking to build upon his success from the end of last season, where he scored 15 goals from February 1st on. He was a monster once he went back to the first line with Hall and Hischier. That’s why Hynes should not separate them. Don’t mess with a good thing.

So, what should we expect from Palmieri this season?

Honestly, this could be the best Palmieri season yet. He was so very good playing next to the eventual MVP of the league. If he’s given that opportunity this season, his numbers will skyrocket. Even if he doesn’t, being paired with Marcus Johansson could provide him more opportunities than he had in the past.

I expect Palmieri to break 30 goals this season. He did it the first season he came to New Jersey, but had excuses that last two as to why he didn’t. Those excuses are over, and he’s going to have a much better season statistically.

Goals: 32
Assists: 30
Points: 62

Now that Palmieri is entrenched into his prime, these are the numbers we should expect from now on. He should be able to get thirty goals as long as he’s playing alongside Hischier and Hall. Sure, the Devils could eventually find an upgrade, but for now it’s nice to have someone with Palmieri’s shot to make good on Hall’s playmaking ability.

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