Thrashers Sign Free Agent Forward Kyle Wanvig

[Thrillhouse]

ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Thrashers have signed unrestricted free agent forward Kyle Wanvig, according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell.

Wanvig, 25, appeared in 51 games for the Minnesota Wild last season, recording 12 points (four goals, eight assists) and 64 penalty minutes.

The 6-2, 220-pound right wing has appeared in 64 career NHL games over three seasons with Minnesota, recording 14 points (five goals, nine assists). In 239 games with the Houston Aeros (AHL) over four seasons from 2001-02 to 2004-05, he tallied 113 points (57 goals, 56 assists) and 488 penalty minutes. He also appeared in 37 playoff games with the Aeros and helped them to the 2003 Calder Cup Championship.

The Calgary, Alberta native was selected by Minnesota in the second round, 36th overall, of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft after re-entering the draft. He was originally chosen in the third round, 89th overall, of the 1999 NHL Entry Draft by the Boston Bruins.

Prior to his professional career, the Calgary, Alberta native appeared in 239 Western Hockey League games with Red Deer, Kootenay and Edmonton, totaling 113 points (57 goals, 56 assists). During the 2000-01 season, his last in juniors, he helped Red Deer to the Canadian Hockey League’s Memorial Cup Championship and won the Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy as the tournament’s MVP and was named to the tournament’s all-star team.

[JKidd]

I was such a huge fan of Wanny... then he got a great shot last year, and he fell on his face with it. Rarely played physical, couldnt finish a play for his life, and was incredibly inconsistant at both ends. While I'd like to see him develop more, I dont want to see him develop in the "A". Good to see him sign with the Thrashers, I wish him the best and hopefully he can get better and become a solid 3rd-4th liner.

[full force five]

I'll miss his center ice loop-de-loops waiting for the puck. What a POS.