Isles sign Tambellini, Bergenheim

Jul 16, 2008 - 8:09 PM UNIONDALE, New York (Ticker) -- The New York Islanders may not have a coach, but that has not prevented them from making moves as they signed left wings Jeff Tambellini and Sean Bergenheim to two-year contracts Wednesday.

Tambellini, the leading scorer for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers last season, agreed to a deal worth $1.175 million. Bergenheim's contract is for $1.725 million.

Tambellini, 24, recorded 38 goals and 38 assists in just 57 games for the Sound Tigers, the Islanders' affiliate in the American Hockey League. The 76 points set a Bridgeport franchise record for a single season.

The British Columbia native also skated in 31 games with the Islanders, registering a goal and three assists.

"We are extremely happy that we have Jeff as a member of the Islanders organization for the next years," New York general manager Garth Snow said. "We know that Jeff will come to training camp in shape and be ready to compete in September, and we look forward to it."

A two-time AHL All-Star, Tambellini finished second in the league in goals last season. He has recorded four goals and 13 assists in 79 career NHL games over parts of the past three seasons with the Islanders.

Bergenheim, 24, played in 78 games for the Islanders last season, recording 10 goals and 12 assists. The native of Finland was taken by New York in the first round of the 2002 draft.

Ted Nolan stepped down as Islanders coach Monday, citing "philosophical differences" with Snow regarding the direction of the team.