Sean Bergenheim was inked by the Lightning to a one-year contract this afternoon, the club announced. Playing up his two way ability, it sounds like he was signed for the bottom lines.
Dominik Jansky of Lighthouse Hockey gave us a quick once-over about Bergenheim and what he has to offer:
Hard-worker, fairly speedy, decent hands but a frustrating inability to finish — at least as compared to how his hands would make you think he could finish. Generally does put up points when put with talented linemates (if only by working the corners to get the puck/create space for talented linemates). He’s the type who every once in a while will surprise you with his skill or a sudden sniper shot.
Has the tenacity for good penalty killing, which is how he was often used. Was inconsistent through his time with the Islanders, but there is some argument that that was due to being shifted around constantly from line to line. Definitely all the tools to be a solid checker with scoring punch, but it’s a question whether he can put all that together consistently
“If he could finish”… Brings back such memories…You can read more about Sean, specifically his end-season ranking, from the Lighthouse Hockey crew here.
Chris Botta of NYI Point Blank and AOL FanHouse chimed in via Twitter that Bergenheim is a “(s)olid player on some real bad teams.”
Bergenheim, who stands 5 ’10”, was a 1st round draft choice (22nd overall) by the Isles in the 2002 NHL entry draft. This move, paired with the additions of Dominic Moore and Marc Pouliot, may finalize the 3rd line competition for the preseason.
The full press release is below the fold..
LIGHTNING INK LW SEAN BERGENHEIM
TAMPA BAY – The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed free agent left wing Sean Bergenheim (BUHR-gehn-highm, SHAWN) to a one-year contract today, Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman announced.
“We are happy to add Sean to the Lightning roster today,” Yzerman said. “He is a competitive left winger who is also a solid two-way player. We believe he is a good addition to our team.”
Bergenheim, 5-foot-10, 205 pounds, has registered 40 goals, 80 points and 195 penalty minutes in 246 career NHL games, all with the New York Islanders. He has reached double digits in goals and points in each of the last three seasons. In 2009-10, Bergenheim led the Islanders in game-winning goals with two and tied for eighth on the team with 133 shots on goal. His best offensive season came in 2008-09 when he recorded career-highs in goals with 15, the team’s third-highest total, and points with 24. He also ranked first on the Islanders in shorthanded goals with four and game-winning goals with five.
A native of Helsinki, Finland, Bergenheim has skated in 116 career AHL games, all with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. He amassed 40 goals and 76 points in two full seasons with the Sound Tigers. He also notched two goals and seven points in 14 career playoff games with Bridgeport. In 2005-06, his final AHL season, Bergenheim set AHL career-highs in goals, assists, points and penalty minutes and was tied for third in the league with four shorthanded goals. He also held a share of the team lead in overall goals with 25 and his 47 points marked the club’s fifth-best total. Bergenheim finished the season tied for third on the team with seven power-play goals, while also leading Bridgeport with 112 penalty minutes.
Prior to making his North American debut, Bergenheim began his career in his native country, appearing in 86 contests with Jokerit of the Finnish Elite League and recording seven goals and 14 points. Prior to turning professional, he recorded 20 goals and 43 points in 43 contests with Jokerit’s junior squad. He has also excelled in international competition, representing Finland at three consecutive World Championship tournaments, scoring three goals and six points. He also amassed 11 points in 21 games while competing in the World Junior Championships.
Bergenheim was originally drafted by the New York Islanders in the first round, 22nd overall, of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft.
