Thrashers Send Jason Williams to Columbus for Clay Wilson, Pick

[Thrillhouse]

The Atlanta Thrashers have acquired defenseman Clay Wilson and a sixth-round selection in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for forward Jason Williams, according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell.

Wilson, 25, has registered one assist in five games this season with the Blue Jackets, while tallying 20 points (eight goals, 12 assists) in 33 games with the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League. He has recorded three points (one goal, two assists) in 12 career NHL games with Columbus.

The 6-0, 195-pound defenseman has totaled 147 points (41 goals, 106 assists) in 243 career AHL games with Grand Rapids, Portland and Syracuse. Wilson has amassed 10 points (two goals, eight assists) in 29 Calder Cup Playoff games.

He also appeared in 27 games with the Muskegon Fury of the former United Hockey League from 2004-06, tallying 18 points (six goals, 12 assists). Wilson added two assists in 17 post-season games with the Fury following the 2004-05 season.
Prior to his professional career, the Sturgeon Lake, Minn. native appeared in 148 games with Michigan Tech from 2001-05, posting 57 points (17 goals, 40 assists).

Wilson was originally signed as a free agent by Anaheim on July 11, 2006 and was traded to Columbus with Aaron Rome, in exchange for Geoff Platt on Nov. 15, 2007.

The Thrashers also received a sixth-round selection, which Columbus originally acquired from San Jose, in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

Williams, 28, has recorded 18 points (seven assists, 11 assists) in 41 games with the Thrashers this season. The 5-11, 185-pound right wing has tallied 176 points (73 goals, 103 assists) in 337 career NHL games with Detroit, Chicago and Atlanta.

The London, Ontario native has appeared in 20 career Stanley Cup Playoff games, recording a goal and an assist while winning the 2002 Stanley Cup with Detroit.

Williams was signed by the Thrashers as a free agent on July 14, 2008.

[AVALANCHE FAN]

Im not seeing why the Jackets would want Williams.

[nyislesfan45]

I guess the Isles didnt work out a deal with the Jackets.

[Purely_Purinton]

Great Cuse's defense takes another hit, and for who? Jason Williams? Isn't he like the even less interesting version of Justin Williams?

[Cat Smasher]

Adding some more depth for that playoff picture. Howson wants to be the guy who gets them in, and Williams won't hurt. I mean it's been a few years since his 20+ goal season, but still an asset. Good move by the Jackets, but nothing earth shattering. Plus, he has a cup.

[chilly666]

glad to see waddell has thrown the year away already. and is getting more d-men for chicago even though they don't need any.

[Grittzkey]

I understand Jason Williams Isn't an amazing player but come on Clay Wilson? and a Late Pick?

[OriginalSix]

Pretty safe move by the Jackets IMO. They didn't give up much and in return gets a guy who is a great PP QB. Not a huge move but could stop some short term bleeding.

[AVALANCHE FAN]

Originally Posted by OriginalSix

Pretty safe move by the Jackets IMO. They didn't give up much and in return gets a guy who is a great PP QB. Not a huge move but could stop some short term bleeding.

That explains alot they are very much in need of someone who can score on the PP.

[canuckfan]

Williams hasn't been the same player since Raffi Torres nearly killed him three years ago.

Still, he's a good depth guy, and for Columbus fans it shows Howson believes this team can maybe make the playoffs.