Summerside's Gerard (Turkey) Gallant is going back to the big leagues. He's been hired as Assistant Coach of the NHL expansion team Columbus Blue Jackets.

The man who hired him is an old friend. Doug MacLean, also a native of Summerside, is the Blue Jackets' general manager.

Gallant goes to Columbus from Louisville, Kentucky where he was on the coaching staff of the American Hockey League Louisville Panthers.

Gallant played in the NHL from 1985 to 1995. His first eight seasons were with the Detroit Red Wings, and he played his last two years with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

He played 615 NHL games in all, registering 211 goals and 269 assists. He also racked up 1,674 penalty minutes.

Gallant also played three seasons with the International Hockey League.

His duties as assistant coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets have yet been spelled out.