Lamoriello & Isles announce Steve Pellegrini as Assistant General Manager

Today, our New York Islanders added to their hockey operations pool. President and General Manager, Lou Lamoriello announced that Steve Pellegrini has been named Assistant General Manager. He will work alongside current Assistant General Manager Chris Lamoriello and should give the Islanders an even more stable leadership foundation from the top, down.

Pellegrini was with the New Jersey Devils as the Vice President of Hockey Operations since 2006 and should have a strong familiarity with Lamoriello and his S.O.P. Per release, “With the Devils, Pellegrini worked on all hockey-related matters, including and not limited to, contract negotiation/salary arbitration preparation, collective bargaining agreement/salary cap compliance, scheduling and scouting. Steve brings over 20 years of knowledge and experience to our hockey operations,' Islanders President and General Manager Lou Lamoriello said.”

Pellegrini worked with the Edmonton Oilers as Director of Hockey Administration (1995-1998) and has spent years working for the NHL from 1991 until the start of his tenure with Edmonton in a Community Relations capacity. After his term with the Oilers ended, Pellegrini went on to serve as Group Vice President for the NHL's Central Registry Department (1998-2006) where he served on the league's CBA negotiating committee and assisted on CBA rules and regulation enforcement.

Per @capfriendly, “While in #Toronto, Lou Lamoriello likely saw the benefit of having someone on his team with a strong understanding of the CBA & the advantages of having someone well versed in the ins & outs of the salary cap." 

Rumors are that Lou Lamoriello expects to have a head coach in place by middle of next week. It’s probably best for new-look team’s approach to NHL Entry Draft and Free Agency anyway. And it’s usually key for free agents to know before they are willing to commit. Per Lamoriello, “We're going to get the best coach available. Different coaches are for different teams. Whether I know them or not will not enter into the decision.”

The next few weeks should be huge for Isles country. Look for possible player movement, trades and a few unexpected surprises. And the J.T. watch heats up in a big way.