Thrashers Re-Sign Goaltender Johan Hedberg

The Atlanta Thrashers have re-signed goaltender Johan Hedberg to a multi-year contract, according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Hedberg, 35, appeared in 36 games for the Thrashers in 2007-08, earning a 14-15-3 record, a 3.46 goals-against average, a .892 save percentage and one shutout. During a four-game span from Nov. 13-21, he collected four consecutive wins and posted a 1.49 GAA and a .942 save percentage. The native of Leksand, Sweden was voted by his teammates to receive the Thrashers Players’ Player Award for the second consecutive season, given annually to the Thrasher who best exemplifies what being a “team player” is all about.

The 6-0, 185-pound goaltender was signed by Atlanta as a free agent on July 1, 2006 and has earned a 23-19-5 record and a 3.26 GAA in 57 regular-season appearances for the Thrashers over two seasons. He also played in two playoff games during the 2007 Stanley Cup Playoffs, posting a 2.56 GAA and a 0-2 record against the N.Y. Rangers.

In seven NHL seasons, Hedberg has amassed an 89-86-20 record in 213 regular-season games with Pittsburgh, Vancouver, Dallas and Atlanta, recording a .899 save percentage, a 2.92 GAA and 11 shutouts. In 22 playoff appearances for Pittsburgh, Vancouver and Atlanta, he has collected a 10-12 record, including two shutouts, and a 2.33 GAA. He earned a 9-9 record in 18 contests during the 2001 post-season with the Penguins, leading them to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Originally selected by Philadelphia in the ninth round, 218th overall, in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft, Hedberg made his North American debut in 1997-98, playing for Baton Rouge of the East Coast Hockey League, as well as Detroit and Manitoba of the International Hockey League. He has also spent seven seasons (1992-93 to 1996-97, 1998-99 and 2004-05) with Leksands IF in his native Sweden.

Hedberg has represented Sweden in several International competitions, including the 2002 Winter Olympics, where he earned a 1-0 record. He also appeared in the 1997, 1998 and 1999 IIHF World Championships for Sweden.

Atlanta Thrashers Season Tickets start as low as $10 per game and are on sale now for the 2008-09 season by visiting atlantathrashers.com or calling (866) 715-1500.