Defenseman Bryan Berard will attempt to revive his NHL career back where it began. The 30-year-old native of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, has accepted an invitation to training camp with the New York Islanders.

Berard won the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie in 1996-97 with the Islanders. He played three years with New York before being traded to the Maple Leafs in the deal that brought Felix Potvin to Long Island.

The Islanders are still looking to fill the void left on their blueline by the departure of free agent Tom Poti. If Berard makes the team, he would serve as an offensive defenseman along with Marc-Andre Bergeron.

“You can never have enough skill in your organization,” Islanders’ GM Garth Snow said in a statement. “Bryan Berard still has tremendous upside as a defenseman and a power play point man. We’re happy to give him this opportunity to try and make our club.”

Berard will be reunited with Gerard Gallant, his former coach in Columbus. Gallant is now an assistant with the Islanders. Berard was also pleased with joining the Islanders for training camp which begins September 14 in Moncton, New Brunswick.

“I loved my time on Long Island and I have great memories of how everyone treated me during my first three years in the NHL,” said Berard. "I'm coming off a tough season when I was injured and I know I have a lot to prove. The Islanders offered me this opportunity and I'm going to re-pay them by making the most of it. I'm healthy and I'm determined to show Ted Nolan and the team that I can help the Islanders have a great season.”

Islanders’ coach Ted Nolan welcomed Berard. “Bryan is definitely worthy of a long look from us,” said Nolan. “You're always looking for depth on defense, and Bryan is a defenseman with excellent skating ability and someone who can run a power play. Gerard Gallant spoke highly of him, our staff likes his competitiveness and I know our fans understand how talented Bryan is. I'm looking forward to him showing us what he can do.”

Berard was limited to just 11 games last season with Columbus after undergoing surgery to repair a herniated disc in his back. In his career, Berard has scored 71 goals and 301 points in 565 games. In addition to the Islanders, Maple Leafs and Blue Jackets, Berard has played for the New York Rangers, Boston and Chicago. Berard’s career was nearly ended in 2000 after he was struck in the right eye by the stick of Ottawa’s Marian Hossa. He endured seven eye surgeries in order to return to the NHL. He won the Masterton Trophy for dedication to hockey in 2004 after his return. Berard was also a member of the 1998 US Olympic Team.

By inviting Berard to camp without a contract, the Islanders have nothing to lose. The biggest question is whether or not Berard will be healthy enough to merit a second go round as an Islander.