Minnesota Wild Roster Moves: Nick Palmieri Signs One-Year Deal

The Minnesota Wild have signed forward Nick Palmieri to a one-year, two way deal according to the Wild’s official website.  The signing puts Minnesota at the maximum 50 allowed NHL contracts, meaning any further additions to the roster will need to be offset by a trade elsewhere. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

It was widely expected that Palmieri would sign a contract with the Wild after starting the year in the AHL for the Houston Aeros.  His rugged style of crash and bang hockey will give the Wild some additional size up front.

Through 36 games for the Aeros this year, Palmieri has recorded 9 goals and 10 assists for 19 points to go with 33 penalty minutes and was a pleasant plus-9.

The 23-year old was acquired from the New Jersey Devils last season in a trade that also brought defenceman, Kurtis Foster and forward Stephane Veilleux to Minnesota in exchange for Marek Zidlicky.

Oddly enough, Palmieri was skating on a line with Veilleux during yesterday’s scrimmage along with Jake Dowell.  It’s hard to fathom that this will be the Wild’s fourth line this season when tough guys, Zenon Konopka and Matt Kassian still need a spot in the lineup.  Given Palmieri’s two-way clause, it’s likely he could start the season back in Houston, or perhaps be a rotational forward for the Wild, playing in every other game.

Last season, Palmieri played in nine games for the Wild after he was acquired, failing to register a point.  Prior to the trade he scored 4 goals and added 3 assists for the Devils in 29 games.  He was drafted in the 3rd round (79th overall) during the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.