NEWARK -- The Devils could not have asked for more from Kyle Palmieri this season, but the winger who grew up in New Jersey admitted he was nervous about playing his his home state.
"Coming into it I think I was a little overwhelmed at first with the idea of playing at home and being around the area I grew up," Palmieri said Monday as Devils players cleaned out their lockers at Prudential Center. "But I think my teammates and the staff here did a great job of making me feel welcome since day one.
"It felt like home to me and I made the transition pretty smoothly to have family hand friends around. That makes it a lot easier to come in and try to fit into a group."
Palmieri, acquired in a draft day trade with the Anaheim Ducks, made an immediate impact. He led the Devils in scoring with 57 points and enjoyed a 30-goal season. He scored four game-winners and 11 on the power play.
He also skated alongside Travis Zajac most of the season and help the veteran center have a solid season.
"I felt confident coming in that if I got an opportunity like I did I'd be able to perform. For me it was getting off to a good start and being able to get some chemistry with Trav early on in the year. We kind of worked well together all year," Palmieri reflected.
Palmieri, a restricted free agent, said he didn't foresee any problems getting a new contract done.
"It could be next week or it could take longer," Palmieri said.
Although the Devils missed the playoffs for a fourth straight season, Palmieri said he was optimistic.
"For sure. It was mentioned all year that we were surprising people. Obviously we would like to have been playing a couple months later, but it is what it is," Palmieri said. "We knew it was going to be a season to build on and I think there are a lot positives we can take out if this year heading into the summer."
What made the fit so good for him?
"I think the idea of playing fast hockey. In the West, and especially with Anaheim, we had a big, grinding team. It's a little different from the style I play," Palmieri said. "I had to try and do my best to be a factor there and keep myself in the lineup.
"Coming here there was definitely something different that was expected of me. It's a little more natural for me to play this way. That made it easier on me and made the transition a little easier."
Rich Chere may be reached at rchere@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Ledger_NJDevils. Find NJ.com on Facebook