NJ Devils notes: Kyle Palmieri nominated for King Clancy Trophy
It’s been a big year for Devils’ winger Kyle Palmieri and it’s about to get bigger.
And I’m not just talking about his upcoming wedding.
Palmieri was the New Jersey nominee for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy, the NHL announced Wednesday. The award recognizes players for leadership and off-ice humanitarian contributions with a player from each team nominated.
The Montvale native, who was named an All-Star for the first time in his career in January, launched his foundation with the help of his fianceé, Ashlee Casper. The Kyle Palmieri Foundation was created to help military veterans, active duty service members and families throughout the New Jersey community and beyond. The foundation held its first marquee event, a military ball, in February.
The cause was close to the heart of Palmieri with so much of his family having served and his sister and his brother-in-law currently serving in the military. He had long been working with Vet Tix and Squad 21 before deciding to create a foundation.
Across, the river, Henrik Lundqvist was nominated for the Rangers and across another river, Anders Lee was given the nod for the Islanders.
The NHL’s criteria for the award is as follows:
Clear and measurable positive impact on the community
Investment of time and resources
Commitment to a particular cause or community
Commitment to the League’s community initiatives (Hockey is for Everyone, Hockey Fights Cancer, Future Goals, Learn to Play, NHL Green, etc.)
Creativity of programming
Use of influence; engagement of others
Three finalists will be named April 23, with the winner being named at the NHL Awards in Las Vegas on Wednesday, June 19 at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.
The winner receives a $40,000 donation from the NHL Foundation to benefit a charity or multiple charities of choice with the two runners-up receiving $5,000.
In other Devils news, the team signed Swiss goalie Gilles Senn to a two-year entry-level contract.
The 23-year-old spent the last three years playing for Davos HC of the Swiss-A league. Senn was the Devils’ fifth-round selection in the 2017 NHL Draft.
