Player's Profile
Picture Courtesy of www.ottershockey.com
- Name: Nick Palmieri
- Position: RW
- Shoots: Right
- Height: 6-2
- Weight: 215 lbs
- Birthdate: 1989-07-21
- Eligible for Draft: 2007
- Drafted: 2007
- Hometown: Clinton, New York
- Acquired: 3rd round (79th overall), 2007
- Playing In: CHL
Nick Palmieri
Prospect Grade: 7.0 C (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: HF Staff
History
2005-06: After being selected by the Erie Otters in the second round of the OHL draft, Palmieri stepped right in as a rookie, and while he didn't set the world on fire, had a decent rookie season, scoring 13 goals and 10 assists in 68 games for the Otters.
2006-07: In his second season with Erie, Palmieri really came into his own. On an Otter team that languished near the bottom of the OHL standings all season, Palmieri’s play was a bright light in an otherwise dismal year. In 56 games, Palmieri scored scored a team best 24 goals and finished third in team scoring with 45 points. He also displayed a physical element to his game by putting up 99 PIM’s.
2007-08: Palmieri had a solid 2007-08 season with Erie. Given the fact that he missed a significant chunk of the year due to a bout of mononucleosis and had to endure playing on one of the worst teams in the OHL, it makes his 28 goals and 18 assists in 50 games all the more impressive. And as is the case for most players playing on below-average teams, he recorded an ugly -30 rating, which is more a reflection of the team than his defensive play. With 122 PIM's, Palmieri played with a bit of an edge during the season, but those high totals are also the result of the frustration of playing on team that only won 18 of 68 games. With the Otters missing the post-season, Palmieri joined the Devils AHL affiliate in Lowell to finish off his year, scoring one goal in nine games.
* Read this Hockey's Future article on Nick Palmieri
2008-09: Palmieri got his wish for a trade early in the season as he was dealt from Erie to the Belleville Bulls. Palmieri played in more of a secondary scoring role on a loaded Bulls team. He recorded seven goals and 12 points with Erie before the trade, but took off with Belleville, potting 20 goals and nine assists in 43 games. After combining his stats with both clubs together, he recorded 27 goals and 14 assists in 61 games. He also finished with 116 PIM's and a +6 rating. Though the Bulls fell short in the post-season, Palmieri had an outstanding playoff, scoring 14 goals and three assists in 17 games. .
Talent Analysis
Standing at 6’2, 215 lbs, Palmieri is an imposing figure on the ice. It took him a little while to learn to start using his big frame to his advantage and start driving to the net with more authority, but now that he knows the edge that that gives him, it gives opposing defenders fits. He possesses good, quick hands and can do some damage once he takes up residence in front of the opposition net. However, he is also effective in between the dots and in the slot due in part to an above average shot. His soft hands also allow him to be a creative passer and playmaker.
As a power forward, Palmieri naturally isn’t the fleetest of foot and lacks some top-end quickness, but he does have a strong skating stride and is tough to knock off the puck. Improved conditioning will help improve that aspect of his game. He is sound defensively and is not afraid to play physically. As he grows into his frame and gets stronger, he should become even more effective in that area.
Future
Palmieri appears to be ready for a promotion to the pro game after four full seasons of junior. The big, burly power winger has great has a great future ahead of him, but will most likely need a couple of years of seasoning with Lowell before being deemed ready for a full-time promotion to the NHL. He may have been passed on the depth chart by a few other prospects, but he still has the upside after a few years in the AHL to be a force at the next level.
Stats
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Profile Last Updated: October, 31st 2009
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