With the three additions of Palmieri, Zajac and Coburn, it was evident that Lamoriello and the Islanders management wanted to add experienced veterans to the group.
Zajac (1,027), Coburn (980) and Palmieri (598) have combined for 2,605 regular-season games played. Both Zajac and Coburn - who have history as former teammates for Team Canada at the 2009 World Championships - have extensive playoff experience and each have made at least one trip to the Stanley Cup Final.
Coburn, who has been to three Stanley Cup Finals, has the insight of what it means to go the distance as he was a member of last season's Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning. Lamoriello said Coburn will play a supporting role with the Islanders, adding a big, left-handed shot to the depth chart.
And while experience was a crucial aspect when considering potential acquisitions, Lamoriello has stressed repeatedly the importance of maintaining the tight-knit chemistry the Islanders have established in their dressing room. It's no surprise that the three additions to the Islanders all have upstanding reputations for their exceptional character.
"I don't think you can ever have enough experience," Lamoriello said. "Especially when they're quality people and they're great teammates."
Lamoriello highlighted the admirable choice Coburn made coming off Tampa's Cup victory as proof of his character.
Ahead of the 2020-21 season and in facing the challenges of a flat cap, Coburn agreed to waive his no-trade clause to join Ottawa and allow Tampa to work out some of its negotiations with its restricted and unrestricted free agents. Lamoriello said Coburn is the type of player who knows and accepts his role, so he should easily fit into the Islanders team-first mentality.
"The reputation [Coburn] has just proceeds itself as far as a teammate," Lamoriello said. "Just looking at him making a decision when Tampa was in a cap problem to waive his trade clause - has a no trade clause - he had to waive it to come here to help out the team that he helped win a Stanley Cup. I think that says something about his character."
And with Coburn, who spent eight seasons playing with Philadelphia (2006-14), and former Devils Palmieri and Zajac, there's extensive knowledge among the trio regarding the East Division competition and opponents.