Thrashers Acquire Shane Hnidy From Nashville

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The Atlanta Thrashers have acquired defenseman Shane Hnidy from the Nashville Predators for a fourth-round selection in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell.

Hnidy (pronounced NIGH-dee), who notched five points (one goal, four assists) and 56 penalty minutes in 19 games with the Florida Everblades (ECHL) last season, has registered 22 points (four goals, 18 assists) and 353 penalty minutes in 198 NHL games with Ottawa and Nashville. The 6-2, 205-pound defenseman notched four assists and six penalty minutes in 17 games to help Florida reach the Kelly Cup Finals before falling to Trenton four games to one.

The native of Neepawa, Manitoba, split the 2003-04 season between Ottawa and Nashville, earning seven assists and 82 penalty minutes in 46 games. Hnidy, 29, set career highs with eight assists, 130 penalty minutes and 67 games with the Senators in 2002-03, and netted a career-best three goals during his rookie season with the club in 2000-01.

Hnidy, who was selected by Buffalo in the seventh round, 173rd overall in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft, has earned 107 points (30 goals, 77 assists) and 704 penalty minutes in 299 minor-league games over six seasons in the American Hockey League, the former International Hockey League and the ECHL.

Prior to turning professional, Hnidy played five seasons in the WHL with Swift Current and Prince Albert, notching 153 points (31 goals, 122 assists) and 498 penalty minutes in 327 games from 1991-96. He signed as a free agent with Detroit on Aug. 6, 1998.