Newsday: Greg Logan reported in the Islanders Newsday blog forward Jeff Tambellini agreed today on a two-year deal worth $1.175 million.
Mr Logan reports Tambellini, who made a salary of $882,000 last season, including bonus money, actually took less than his qualifying offer of $660,000 for the chance to prove he belongs in the NHL in exchange for a one way contract where he will make $550,000 next season and $625,000 in 2009-10.
In addition:
Ben Walter and Jeremy Colliton both accepted the two-way qualifying offers yesterday before the 5 p.m. deadline.
Frans Nielsen and defenseman Bruno Gervais declined their qualifying offers but are continuing negotiations.
Sean Bergenheim still is headed for arbitration, but is gm said he is making progress with his new agent, Allan Walsh, which could avert a hearing.
NYI Fan Central Comments:
Gervais and Nielsen's situtations get very interesting because neither have a roster spot guaranteed with Freddy Meyer under contract along with five other defenders.
Were almost to the day Campoli signed last summer.
Tambellini on a one-way contract now has to prove himself at this level or the club has a player to move if it does not work. Given our poll results no one knows where to seem to play him.