Wed Jul 2 19:22:02 2008

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Thrashers sign D Hainsey

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Atlanta, GA (Sports Network) - The Atlanta Thrashers signed unrestricted free agent defenseman Ron Hainsey to a multi-year contract. Per team policy, financial terms were not disclosed.

Hainsey, 27, recorded eight goals and 24 assists in 78 games for the Columbus Blue Jackets last season. He led all Columbus defensemen in goals, assists, points and shots while ranking second on the team in average ice time per game. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound defenseman also ranked second on the team with eight power play goals, which tied him for sixth among NHL defenseman.

"Ron is one of the best young defensemen in free agency and we're very happy to be adding a player of his caliber to our lineup," general manager Don Waddell said. "He moves the puck well, has good offensive capabilities and is a solid all-around defenseman who has taken significant strides with his game over the last few seasons and is now entering the prime of his career."

For his career, Hainsey has tallied 85 points (20 goals, 65 assists) in 245 NHL games with Montreal and Columbus.