Although they cut him in training camp, the New York Islanders have brought back Steve Bernier; the team announced that they have inked him to a one year, two-way contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Bernier played a sparing role with the Islanders last season, playing in just 24 games, notching a goal and five assists after making the team off a training camp tryout last year. He also suited up in six playoff contests, being held pointless. However, he’s only one year removed from a 16 goal, 32 point campaign with the Devils. In the preseason, Bernier saw action in four games with the Islanders, picking up two assists while averaging 10:07 per game.
The 31 year old has bounced around in his career, spending time in six different organizations since being a first rounder of San Jose back in 2003. He has 633 NHL games under his belt, scoring 105 goals while adding 125 assists.
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Last season, Bernier earned $750K on a one-way contract per Cap Friendly. It’s likely that this new contract will carry a similar cap hit at the NHL level.
In the meantime, it appears that Bernier will be starting his season in the AHL. Newsday’s Arthur Staple reports that the team has placed Bernier on waivers and will assign him to their affiliate in Bridgeport if he clears on Tuesday.