Anaheim Ducks Player Grades: Kyle Palmieri
By Sean
Future
Nov 14, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Anaheim Ducks right wing Kyle Palmieri (21) passes the puck as Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Andrej Sustr (62) defends during the third period at Tampa Bay Times Forum. Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Anaheim Ducks 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
I still think Palmieri has a bright future in this league, but I feel like he took a small step backward this season. He averaged slightly less time on ice this year than he did last year, and that went down even more during the playoffs this season.
As the season went along he was able to fix his poor +/- rating from the first two months. So, he righted his two-play ship during the course of the season. It’s just that he needs to be more consistent offensively.
The month of January seems to be a good place to start looking for a career. Eight points in 10 games results in a 65 point season. If that is a hot streak for Palmieri, maybe he could become a 50-55 point per season player.
With his offensive talent, that could be a possibility, with some improve to his play. However, with the re-emergence of Devante Smith-Pelly, the right wing is becoming a little more crowded.