Jeff Tambellini Joins Tampa Bay Lightning
Jeff Tambellini, who previously served as the Director of Player Development for the Seattle Kraken, has officially joined the Tampa Bay Lightning. He takes on the role of Assistant General Manager as well as the Director of Hockey Operations. This transition comes after Tambellini spent three seasons with the Kraken, starting in the 2022-23 NHL season, where he played a pivotal role in the development of young talent within the organization’s minor league system.
Return to Familiar Ground
Before his tenure with the Kraken, the 41-year-old Tambellini was a college scout for the Lightning, making this new position a return to familiar ground.
“I couldn’t be more excited to return to the Lightning organization,”
Tambellini remarked. He acknowledged his connection to Tampa Bay, where he not only began his playing career but also earned his first NHL job and was awarded a Stanley Cup ring. Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, he thanked Julien BriseBois, the Lightning’s General Manager, and expressed eagerness to start working with the team’s dedicated professionals.
Impact on the Kraken and Future Plans
The Lightning’s announcement of Tambellini’s hiring comes on the heels of Mathieu Darche’s promotion to General Manager of the New York Islanders, a vacancy that needed filling. Tambellini’s NHL career included 242 games, and he plans to leverage his extensive experience in this new role.
Reflecting on his time in Seattle, Tambellini expressed appreciation for the Kraken management, saying,
“I would also like to personally thank Ron Francis, Jason Botterill, and the entire Seattle Kraken organization for an incredible three years and for believing in me. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity they gave me and for allowing me to pursue this exciting new role.”
The Kraken organization will undoubtedly feel his absence as they move forward without his guidance.
