The Tampa Bay Lightning hire a former NY Islanders forward to take over Mathieu Darche’s former role

After the NY Islanders hired Mathieu Darche as General Manager, the Tampa Bay Lightning were left with a hole at Assistant GM to work under Julien BriseBois. But today, the Lightning filled that hole with former Islanders forward Jeff Tambellini.

Tambellini, 41, was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings 27th overall in 2003. He was shipped to Long Island in 2006 as part of a trade that saw the Islanders send Mark Parrish the other way.

The LIghtning hire Jeff Tambellini as Assistant GM

Playing five seasons with the Islanders organization, Tambellini spent the majority of his time bouncing between the NHL and AHL. While his numbers in Bridgeport were outstanding, totalling 138 points (71 G, 67 A) in 113 games, he struggled to translate that success to the NHL. playing 145 games, registering just 46 points (18 G, 28 A).

An undersized forward at 5'11", Tambellini was best known for his speed. The Calgary, AB native was once part of "The Kid Line" of the late 2000s along with Blake Comeau and Frans Nielsen.

Jeff is the son of Steve Tambellini, who was drafted by the Islanders 15th overall in 1978 and won the Stanley Cup with the organization in 1980. After retiring from hockey, Steve went on to become a GM in the NHL for the Edmonton Oilers, a role he held from 2008-13.

Tambellini joins the Lightning for a third stint, having previously played for the team and more recently served as a College Scout, a role for which he earned a Stanley Cup ring in 2021.

“I couldn’t be more excited to return to the Lightning organization,” Tambellini said. “It’s where I played, got my first NHL job, and earned my first Stanley Cup ring. I’m thrilled to once again work with such a great group of hockey professionals in Tampa Bay. I want to thank Julien (BriseBois) for the opportunity to take this next step in my career, and I can’t wait to get to Tampa and get started.

Tambellini will be looking to follow in the footsteps of Darche and work his way to becoming an NHL GM in the coming years.