Team USA has named New Jersey Devils forward Kyle Palmieri to its World Cup of Hockey 2016 entry, USA Hockey announced Wednesday.
Palmieri replaces Tampa Bay Lightning forward Ryan Callahan, who underwent a procedure to repair a labral tear in his hip on June 21. Callahan was given a recovery time of five months, ruling him out of the September tournament.
Callahan, 31, registered 10 goals and 28 points in 73 games with the Lightning in 2015-16.
The winger’s gritty style of play, as well as his previous international experience, was something Team USA general manager Dean Lombardi targeted when filling out the World Cup roster in late May. Callahan was part of Team USA’s last two Olympic entries, placing fourth in 2014 and winning silver in 2010.
Palmieri, 25, is coming off a season filled with career bests, registering 30 goals and 27 assists for 57 points in 82 games with the Devils to lead the team in points.
“Kyle brings an all-around game that we’re confident will fit nicely with the framework we’re looking to build,” Lombardi said in a press release. “He’s coming off an outstanding year in New Jersey and will play an important role with our team.”
Palmieri was acquired by the Devils in a trade with the Anaheim Ducks in June 2015 and signed a five-year, $23.25-million deal to stay in New Jersey on July 7.
The speedy winger last played for Team USA in 2012, scoring twice in seven games during the world championships. He was part of the gold-medal-winning crew at the 2010 world junior championship.