Erie Otters' fans aren't alone in following the twists and turns of Nick Palmieri's season.
New Jersey Devils' fans closely watched Palmieri's development since the NHL club selected him in the third round of the 2007 Entry Draft. Devils fans considered his trade request "un-Devil-like," said Julia Hiramoto, 23, of Belle Mead, N.J., a Devils' fan since 1991, referring to the franchise's team-first approach. "But it was also understandable," she said, "and his willingness to play for the club after he returned from Devils' training camp suggested a better mindset."
The majority of fans believe "a trade would be good for his development," Hiramoto said. "Any negative things that Devils' fans had heard or seen about him, such as poor defensive play and bad penalties, were mostly explained by his frustration at playing for a weaker team. Palmieri's trade also gives Devils' fans a chance to see how he produces on a contending club."

– Victor Fernandes