The New York Islanders announced Tuesday the hiring of former New Jersey Devils executive Steve Pellegrini as their new assistant general manager.
#Isles News: President and General Manager Lou Lamoriello announced today the hiring of Steve Pellegrini as Assistant General Manager. He will work alongside current Assistant GM, Chris Lamoriello.
Details: https://t.co/eULVXzCGg7 pic.twitter.com/DNubu2KMG9
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) June 12, 2018
Steve Pellegrini To Be Assistant GM
This hiring comes after fellow ex-Devil and now Islanders president/GM Lou Lamoriello took the role of GM in May. This reorganization included firing GM Garth Snow and head coach Doug Weight. Both are staying with the organization in advisory roles.
Pellegrini, now 52, had been the Devils’ vice president of hockey operations since 2006. He worked under Lamoriello during his time with the organization.
Prior to the Devils, Pellegrini spent eight seasons with the NHL’s Central Registry Department as the Group Vice President. He also served as the Director of Hockey Administration with the Edmonton Oilers from 1995 through 1998.
He began his professional career in the NHL’s Community Relations Department in 1991.
“Steve brings over 20 years of knowledge and experience to our hockey operations,” Lamoriello said in the team’s press release.
Pellegrini’s duties with New Jersey included contract negotiations, salary cap compliance, collective bargaining agreement issues, and scouting.
Pellegrini will work alongside current assistant GM Chris Lamoriello.
What Will Pellegrini Do For The Islanders Future?
Although scouting has not been decided, it is hoped these changes will pay off for the future. The Islanders had a poor 2017-18 season, finishing second to last in the Metropolitan Division.
Bringing Pellegrini to the Islanders gives them an extra hand when it comes to one of their biggest assets. With Pellegrini’s experience with contract negotiation, it could help the Islanders keep John Tavares. Tavares’ name has been thrown around the rumor mill as he may test free agency when the time comes.
Losing Tavares would be huge for the Islanders. With Pellegrini along, the team will continue to convince Tavares to stay. Without him, the Islanders would be in for a lot of trouble.
