Former Player and Development Expert Returns to Bolster Front Office
Jeff Tambellini (Tampa Bay Lightning)
TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Lightning announced today the hiring of Jeff Tambellini as the club’s new Assistant General Manager, Director of Hockey Operations. This marks Tambellini’s third tenure with the organization, returning after serving as the Director of Player Development for the Seattle Kraken for the past three seasons.
In his new role, Tambellini will play a pivotal part in leading the hockey operations staff and assisting Vice President and General Manager Julien BriseBois across all facets of player personnel decisions, analytics, player development, contract negotiations, budgeting, scheduling, and salary cap tracking.
He will also serve as the Assistant General Manager for the Syracuse Crunch, the Lightning’s American Hockey League affiliate, working alongside Head Coach and General Manager Joel Bouchard.
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“Jeff has strong leadership and communication skills. He is organized and thoughtful in all he undertakes,” said BriseBois, highlighting Tambellini’s extensive background as a player in the NHL, AHL, and European leagues, as well as his prior experience in management roles with the Michigan Wolverines, Trail Smoke Eaters, and Seattle Kraken.
Tambellini expressed his excitement about returning to the Lightning, stating, “It’s where I played, got my first NHL job, and earned my first Stanley Cup ring. I’m thrilled to once again work with such a great group of hockey professionals in Tampa Bay.”
Tambellini’s previous stints with the Lightning include playing for the Syracuse Crunch during the 2015-16 season and later serving as a NCAA and pro scout for two seasons (2020-21, 2021-22). During his time with the Seattle Kraken, Tambellini was instrumental in developing their prospect pool, which grew significantly under his guidance, leading to eight draft picks and two undrafted skaters making their NHL debuts. He also contributed to the success of the Coachella Valley Firebirds, Seattle’s AHL affiliate, which reached the Calder Cup Final in 2023 and 2024.
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A native of Calgary, Alberta, Tambellini’s impressive hockey journey also includes a 242-game NHL career, an assistant coaching position at the University of Michigan, and a successful tenure as Head Coach and General Manager of the BCHL’s Trail Smoke Eaters.
He comes from a distinguished hockey family, with his father, Steve, and grandfather, Addie, both having represented Team Canada internationally, along with his brother, Adam.
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