<p>Life as a hockey player can pull you in many different directions. For <a href="https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/teams/tampa-bay-lightning/line-combinations">Tampa Bay Lightning </a>assistant GM Jeff Tambellini, a 17-year career took him from the BCHL in 2000 all the way to Sweden in 2017.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Finishing his career with the Vaxjo Lakers after six seasons in Europe, Tambellini received a call from the University of Michigan (where he had spent three seasons playing in the early 2000s) to offer him a coaching staff job while also allowing him to finish his sports management degree. Wanting to finish his degree, Tambellini jumped on the opportunity while also getting the chance to begin his off-ice career in hockey.&nbsp;</p>



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<p>Following a year at Michigan, Tambellini spent two years as the head coach of the Trail Smoke Eaters of the BCHL from 2018 until 2020. In 2019, Tambellini met with Lightning GM Julien BriseBois to discuss a potential shift to a role with the Lightning.</p><div class="injected-ad injected-video" data-nn-ad-tech-injection-count="0" data-nn-ad-tech-max-gap="130" data-nn-ad-tech-current-gap="153"></div>



<p>“We talked about a potential role in college and pro scouting; I told them I wanted to finish my season in Trail,” Tambellini told Daily Faceoff. “We had built a very strong team and it was something I wanted to see through. I finished that season and started with the Lightning in April of 2020. I had more of a scouting focus (to start with Tampa Bay).</p>



<p>“The opportunity to join the Lightning, who were so successful at that time, and adding my hockey operations knowledge to the scouting department was very appealing.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Working in the Lightning’s hockey operations department for five years, Tambellini was promoted to AGM this past July following Mathieu Darche’s departure to the <a href="https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/teams/new-york-islanders/line-combinations">New York Islanders</a>. In his role as AGM, Tambellini aids BriseBois in all aspects of hockey operations, including personnel decisions, player development, analytics and contract negotiations. He also has a big hand in helping out Joel Bouchard, the head coach and GM of the Syracuse Crunch, in the AHL, serving as AGM there as well.&nbsp;</p><div class="injected-ad" data-nn-ad-tech-injection-count="1" data-nn-ad-tech-max-gap="130" data-nn-ad-tech-current-gap="172"></div>



<p>The son of former NHL player and executive Steve Tambellini, the Lightning AGM was used to a hectic lifestyle filled with travel and an unconventional lifestyle. Be that as it may, Tambellini had a lot of movement in his career, playing with the <a href="https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/teams/los-angeles-kings/line-combinations">Los Angeles Kings</a>, Islanders and <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/">Vancouver Canucks</a> in the NHL until 2011; he then played for five teams over six seasons in Europe. Tambellini also spent significant time in the AHL with three different teams while consistently battling to maintain his role in the NHL during his career.</p>



<p>For Tambellini, he sees his various experiences across many teams and leagues as an advantage.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“It has been a really big advantage for me just understanding what it takes to play in the NHL and AHL,” Tambellini said. “In addition, playing in Europe and understanding the type of hockey that’s played in Finland, Switzerland and Sweden and what it’s like for those players transitioning over; from a players’ sense, understanding that (having done it myself) helps me relate to these players and the challenges that come with it.”</p><div class="injected-ad" data-nn-ad-tech-injection-count="2" data-nn-ad-tech-max-gap="130" data-nn-ad-tech-current-gap="179"></div>



<p>Jumping on a moving ship with the Lightning in 2020, Tambellini joined a dynasty in the making, primed for back to back Stanley Cup championships and three straight final appearances. Operating under one of the league’s most successful GMs in BriseBois, it has presented Tambellini with an incredible opportunity to work under and learn from.</p>



<p>“It has been outstanding,’ said Tambellini. “Being able to work for Julien every day, who is one of if not the best GM in the game (has been great). The way he processes team building, what his team stands for and their characteristics – they all align with how I see the game.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“It is outstanding to be a part of this group and push for another Stanley Cup.”</p>



<p>Having spent time as a head coach and scout, Tambellini elected for a management path in large part due to watching his father, Steve, spend time in various front offices, including with the Canucks and <a href="https://oilersnation.com/">Edmonton Oilers</a>. Being able to build a team to contend for championships is the part that ultimately drew Tambellini to management in favor of other positions.&nbsp;</p><div class="injected-ad" data-nn-ad-tech-injection-count="3" data-nn-ad-tech-max-gap="130" data-nn-ad-tech-current-gap="185"></div>



<p>As is the case with many players working their way up through front offices, the question of where the ultimate end game lands is fair to ask. Could we see Tambellini as a GM one day after playing a key role with a borderline dynasty in the Lightning?&nbsp;</p>



<p>“I think anyone gets excited to build a team, but right now I’m excited to work with Julien,” said Tambellini. “My focus is all on the Lightning and having success here. That is my only focus.”</p>



<p>Tambellini is in the infancy stages of his AGM role with the Lightning, but his contributions behind the scenes and in the trenches has been recognized by his superiors. Entering his first season as one of BriseBois’ most trusted associates in the Lightning’s front office, Tambellini will get a bigger stage to showcase his managerial prowess. Time will tell if there is further room for elevation as Tambellini’s responsibilities continue to grow.</p><div class="injected-ad" data-nn-ad-tech-injection-count="4" data-nn-ad-tech-max-gap="130" data-nn-ad-tech-current-gap="156"></div>



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Tampa Bay Lightning assistant GM Jeff Tambellini