Thrashers Re-Sign Exelby

[Sourdoughkeeper]

Atlanta, GA -- The Atlanta Thrashers have re-signed restricted free agent defenseman Garnet Exelby to a multi-year contract, according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell.

Exelby, 25, appeared in 58 games with Atlanta last season, recording a career-high tying 10 points (two goals, eight assists) and 56 penalty minutes. He also appeared in four Stanley Cup Playoff games. The 6-1, 215-pound defenseman missed 18 games with mononucleosis from Nov. 17-Dec. 26.

The Ste. Anne, Manitoba native has spent his entire career in the Thrashers organization, recording 32 points (four goals, 28 assists) and 306 penalty minutes in 219 NHL games over four seasons. Exelby has also appeared in 128 career games with the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League, tallying 16 points (six goals, 10 assists) and 397 penalty minutes, while adding five assists in 34 career AHL playoff games.

Prior to making his professional debut, Exelby played three seasons of junior hockey with the Saskatoon Blades and Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League. He registered 42 points (13 goals, 29 assists) and 331 penalty minutes in 189 career WHL contests, and tallied four assists in 17 WHL post-season games.

Exelby was drafted by the Thrashers in the eighth round, 217th overall, of the 1999 NHL Entry Draft.

[Podollan]

Hopefully he will fight more..

[Snipes19]

Per sportsnet and the Atlanta Thrashers board, it looks like this is a 3-year deal for 1.336 million a year.

If that's the case, then this is a GREAT signing by the Thrashers, and I'm even going to say that this was a STEAL. Exelby brings plenty of toughness to Atlanta's roster, and he's probably the most physical player on the team. Not to mention he's a very solid defensive d-man, so Atlanta fans should be happy that they have him locked up for 3 years. I love this way this guys plays and hits. Hopefully he fights more this year though. I like this signing.

[Fighting Wombats]

One of the few bright spots in the offseason transactions for us Thrash fans!

[AyrEagle]

Great news. hopefully he will drop the mits a bit more next season

[DaveBrown69]

Originally Posted by AyrEagle

Great news. hopefully he will drop the mits a bit more next season

We can all hope!

[BGDDYKWL]

Very good move here by the Thrash. Exelby is one of the few guys left in the league who consistently delivers big hits, and IMO is the biggest hitting dman in all of hockey. I've noticed I am always upset at the guy when I'm watching my team play against him, and that is exactly what you want your guy to be doing. It's a shame that he essentially never fights anymore, but for what he brings to the table this is a very reasonable deal.

[jkidd]

For the amount reported - a complete and utter steal. He is deffinately up there as one of the best hitting d-men in all of hockey. He can knock anyone out at anytime with hits that can change the momentum of games with one well place body check - love watching him play the game.

[Isles4life]

Definitely a good financial deal for the Thrashers. Exelby can be a real force on that blueline. When he's playing at his nastiest, he's awesome to watch.

[Blouin]

They needed to resign him. The grit with the recent offseason losses, they need to keep players

[Sourdoughkeeper]

Still think we could use a real heavy to go along with Boulton an Thorburn, seeing as how both can lose a fight as well as they can win one, and Desbiens most likely wont be up in the bigs this year. But I really like Ex an Im glad hes back next year.