NY Islanders Prospect Cameron Berg Signs With Bridgeport

This morning, the Bridgeport Islanders announced that they have signed 2021 fourth-round selection Cam Berg to an Amateur Tryout Contract (ATO). Berg is the fourth NCAA player signed by the Isles recently, alongside Max Dorrington, Joey Larson, and Gleb Veremyev. Berg, who turned 23 in January, begins his professional career with the AHL's Bridgeport Islanders.

Berg just completed his senior season at the University of North Dakota, but he spent his first two NCAA seasons at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Across 140 NCAA games, he recorded 106 points. He missed 12 games this year due to injury, but he still recorded 22 points in 26 games. Berg was an alternate captain of the team this season.

All analysis of Berg begins with his shooting. Writers like Mark Allan, Dave Hall, and Bill Placzek identify that Berg plays a downhill game that relies on heavy forechecking and shooting talent. He plays much better when playing "north and south" versus "east and west". The simple style of play has served him well as an amateur, but he'll face a new challenge in the AHL.

On an ATO, Berg can play no more than 25 AHL games before having to negotiate a new deal. However, the Bridgeport Islanders only have seven games remaining in the 2024-25 season. His ATO will truly function like a tryout. If he plays well enough, they'll likely sign him to an entry-level contract where he will compete for a chance to make the NHL club in 2025-26. If not, they'll cut him loose.

As the Islanders organization continues to get younger, Berg is certainly one of the more interesting names to keep an eye on. He's overage, but he produced a lot in college. And he plays a simple game that is easily convertible to the professional level.