Thrashers Sign Forward Jason Williams

[ScottRasner]

The Atlanta Thrashers have signed unrestricted free agent forward Jason Williams, according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell.

Williams, 27, recorded 36 points (13 goals, 23 assists) in 43 games with the Chicago Blackhawks last season. He recorded a season-high six-game point streak from Feb. 23 - Mar. 4, recording nine points (three goals, six assists) in that span and tallied a career-high four points (one goal, three assists) on Oct. 20 at Toronto. The 5-11, 195-pound right wing missed 39 games last season due to injury.

The native of London, Ontario has appeared in 296 career NHL games with Chicago and Detroit, recording 158 points (66 goals, 92 assists). He has registered two points (one goal, one assist) in 20 Stanley Cup Playoff games with the Red Wings and was a member of the 2002 Stanley Cup Championship team.

Williams represented Canada at the 2006 World Championships, recording seven points (two goals, five assists) in nine games. He played with Assat Pori of SM-Liiga in Finland during the 2004-05 season and recorded 43 points (26 goals, 17 assists) in 43 games. He spent parts of three seasons in the American Hockey League from 2000-2003, tallying 94 points (70 goals, 94 assists) in 173 games with Cincinnati and Grand Rapids.

Prior to his professional career, Williams played four seasons of junior hockey with the Peterborough Petes of the Ontario Hockey League, where he recorded 194 points (74 goals, 120 assists) in 249 career regular-season games. He added eight points (four goals, four assists) in 24 OHL playoff games and was named to the OHL Third All-Star Team following the 1999-00 season.

Williams was originally signed as a free agent by the Red Wings on Sept. 18, 2000 and was traded to Chicago for Kyle Calder on Feb. 26, 2007.

[Orr=God]

nice, this move should put the thrashers over the top. they are now stanley cup contenders. Gayson Williams is a superstar.

[R.Middleton]

That's why don't believe anything til official.

I was looking at his stats, and he is really underated. Good signing

[thepolishkid88]

Very good role player who can be put in a top 6 forward position and do well. I wouldnt have mind him sigining with the Pens especialy at a lesser price. 2.2 million is nothing. Fedetenko signed for 2.5 id a rather had Williams.

[canuckfan]

Williams is ok - I don't think he's been the same player or reached his full potential since Torres nearly killed him a few years ago with that huge hit.

[cowboy]

Originally Posted by canuckfan

Williams is ok - I don't think he's been the same player or reached his full potential since Torres nearly killed him a few years ago with that huge hit.

YouTube - Torres hit on Williams

[Thrillhouse]

It's official. Haha stupid Sens bloggers.

[DaleHunter32]

its official


the cup is coming to hotlanta.... lock it up