Thrashers Re-Sign Defenseman Steve McCarthy

[Thrillhouse]

ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Thrashers have re-signed defenseman Steve McCarthy, according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell.

McCarthy, 25, notched career-highs with nine goals, seven assists and 16 points in 67 games last season with Atlanta and Vancouver. He earned 10 points (seven goals, three assists) in 16 games with the Thrashers after being acquired from Vancouver on March 9, 2006 for a fourth-round selection in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. The draft pick was re-acquired by Atlanta on June 14, 2006 in exchange for Tommi Santala and a fifth-round selection in 2007. He also notched six points (two goals, four assists) in 51 games for the Canucks.

The native of Trail, B.C., has collected 32 points (12 goals, 20 assists) in 201 NHL games over parts of six seasons with Chicago, Vancouver and Atlanta. He was originally selected by Chicago in the first round, 23rd overall, in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft, and spent five seasons with the Blackhawks before being dealt to the Canucks on Aug. 22, 2005 for a third-round choice in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

The 6-1, 200-pound defenseman represented Norfolk in the 2003 AHL All-Star Game, despite playing in just 19 games with the Admirals. McCarthy spent one full season (2001-02) with Norfolk and was named their Man of the Year. He played 44 games with the Blackhawks in 2000-01 and was loaned to Team Canada for the World Junior Championships, where he served as Team Captain and led the club to a Bronze Medal.

McCarthy played four seasons with Edmonton and Kootenay of the Western Hockey League, totaling 43 goals and 85 assists in 154 games. During the 1998-99 season with Kootenay, he set team records for most goals (19), assists (33) and points (52) by a defenseman. In 1997-98, he was named WHL Eastern Conference Rookie of the Year.

[Fighting Wombats]

This was a good signing...McCarthy seemed to fit right in with the team and looked good.

[Lead]

Yup, this is good signing.
This guy really impresed me last season. Good addition by Thrashers.