BROOKLYN – The New York Islanders announced that Steve Bernier has agreed to a professional tryout (PTO).
Bernier tied his career high with 32 points (16 goals, 16 assists) in 67 games last season during his fourth year with the New Jersey Devils. The 30 year-old forward finished second on New Jersey with 16 goals, while his plus-two rating was second best among team forwards.
Since signing with New Jersey as a free agent in 2012, Bernier has tallied 65 points (28 goals, 37 assists) in 224 games over four seasons. The Quebec City, Quebec native played in all 24 games during New Jersey’s run to the 2012 Stanley Cup Final.
In 609 career NHL games with the Devils, Florida Panthers, Vancouver Canucks, Buffalo Sabres and San Jose Sharks, Bernier has registered 224 points (104 goals, 120 assists). Bernier has 23 points (nine goals, 14 assists) in 68 career Stanley Cup Playoff games with the Devils, Canucks and Sharks.
Bernier has added 61 points (27 goals, 34 assists) in 85 career American Hockey League games with the Albany Devils, Worcester Sharks and Cleveland Barons. The Sharks originally drafted Bernier in the first round, 16th overall at the 2003 NHL Draft. In 2010, Bernier was traded along with Islanders forward Michael Grabner from the Vancouver Canucks to the Florida Panthers.
Before playing professionally, Bernier scored 313 points (151 goals, 162 assists) in 271 games during four seasons with the Moncton Wildcats of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. The Wildcats selected Bernier with the first overall pick at the 2001 QMJHL Entry Draft. The league named Bernier to its Second All-Star Team in 2003 and 2004 and to its All-Rookie Team in 2002.
Internationally, Bernier won a Gold Medal with Team Canada at the 2003 IIHF World U18 Championship in Russia. During the tournament, Bernier finished second on his team in scoring with eight points (four goals, four assists) in seven games.
