Kyle Palmieri Resigns With Anaheim Ducks for Three Years
By Sean
Feb 8, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Anaheim Ducks right wing Kyle Palmieri (51) warms up before the game against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeated the Ducks 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Earlier today the Anaheim Ducks announced that young forward Kyle Palmieri has resigned with the franchise for three more years in a three-year worth $4.4 million (just under $1.5/mil a year). The 22-year-old is coming off his finest season in the NHL and the first season where he was a full-time NHLer. In 42 regular season games, Palmieri registered 10 goals and 11 assists for 21 points with 9 PIM and was a +2. In seven postseason games, Palmieri tallied 3 goals and 2 assists for 5 points with 4 PIM. He was just about one of the last few question marks regarding a new contract for the Ducks. Their remaining free agents include Matthew Lombardi, David Steckel, Radek Dvorak and Toni Lydman. The only guy I could possibly see returning and signing a new contract with the Ducks is Toni Lydman and that’s only a small chance.
I know what you’re thinking. “Hey, you forgot someone among our remaining free agents!” Yeah, I know. Teemu Selanne. Personally, I have felt since the end of the season that this was Teemu’s last season. I’ve just had a gut feeling that this past year was his last ride. I say, right now, that it is an 80% chance that Teemu retires. And then you say, “Well what are you basing that off of?” Honestly, that’s just my gut feeling. “Oh so you don’t have any credentials to just come out and make that guess!” Pretty much. I’m just a fan dude………Ok, I digress. With Palmieri’s contract now in the books, the Ducks now have under $4.5 million left under the salary cap. Teemu’s previous two contracts were worth $4 mil and $4.5 mil. So, Teemu would have to sign for less than he’s earned in the previous two years. Honestly, I felt like Teemu is finally starting to lose it. Yeah he struggled a bit with the line shuffling, but he didn’t seem to be himself all the time. So, is Teemu worth another $4 mil contract? Who knows? But, I’m sure that a lot of people would love to see him back for one more year, I’m one of them. However, I’m sure there are some people out there that it is time for both the Ducks to move on and for Teemu to hang ’em up.
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