The New York Islanders have a very crowded forward group at the NHL level. That’s why this move was a surprise and seemed to be out of the blue. Apparently AHL depth is something the Islanders needed this year.
They signed veterans Eric Boulton and Stephen Gionta to serve similar roles as Steve Bernier. The Isles must’ve liked what they saw out of Bernier last year. He had one goal and five assists in 24 regular season games.
Bernier also saw time in the playoffs, playing in six playoff games, but that’s a story/rant for another day.