Bryan Berard Signed

In a rare move, a Former Islander is returning home as the Isles signed Bryan Berard on Wednesday to a 1-year, $725,000 deal. A camp invitee, Berard impressed the Islanders coaching staff with his dedication to return to form. After stints with Maple Leafs, Rangers, Bruins, Blackhawks and Blue Jackets, Berard wants to return to that offensive style that has defined his injury-plagued career. A Calder Trophy winner as Rookie of the Year following the 1996-97 season, Berard suffered a major eye injury in 2000 as a member of the Maple Leafs. After reconstructive surgery, the road got no easier for Berard as he was the first person to test positive for a performance enhancing substance under NHL testing guidelines. No rules in place yet meant Berard was left unpunished. He was however banned from international competition for 2 seasons. In the past couple of years a serious back injury seemed to threaten what remained of Berard's pro career but he has gained the confidences of Ted Nolan and company and is once again wearing the Orange and Blue.