Kearns, 36, spent the past two seasons with the New York Islanders and their AHL affiliate Bridgeport Sound Tigers. In 2016-17, he played in two games with the Islanders and had two penalty minutes. The left-shooting forward also skated in 74 regular-season games with Bridgeport as an alternate captain and reached new career highs with 23 goals (tie, 2015-16), six game-winning goals and 152 shots. He led all Sound Tigers in points (51) and goals for the second consecutive season. Through 665 regular-season AHL contests, from 2005-17, Kearns has 162 goals and 233 assists for 395 points and 687 penalty minutes. In addition, the North Vancouver, B.C., native skated in 21 career Calder Cup Playoff contests, notching two goals and nine assists.
Prior to signing with New Jersey, Kearns played for Florida (2011-12), San Jose (2012-2014), and the NY Islanders (2015-17) in his 35 game NHL career. In 2013-14, he played in a career high 25 games with San Jose, notching five points (3g-2a). Undrafted, the 6-0, 195lb., forward attended University of Calgary (CWUAA) from 2001-05 before beginning his professional career with Toledo (ECHL).
