Thrashers Re-Sign Defenseman Anssi Salmela

The Atlanta Thrashers have resigned defenseman Anssi Salmela to a multiple-year contract, according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Salmela, 24, recorded six points (one goal, five assists) in 26 NHL games last season with New Jersey and Atlanta. He made his North American debut with the Devils on Oct. 10 vs. the NY Islanders and recorded his first-career point with an assist on Nov. 12 vs. the Rangers. Salmela, who was acquired by the Thrashers for Niclas Havelid and Myles Stoesz on March 2, scored his first-career NHL goal in his second game with Atlanta on March 16 vs. Washington. He posted three points (one goal, two assists) in nine games with the Thrashers following the trade.

The 6-1, 200-pound defenseman also appeared in 40 American Hockey League games with Lowell and Chicago, posting 24 points (eight goals, 16 assists). Salmela played for Finland at the 2009 IIHF World Championships last month, scoring one goal in seven games. Salmela was originally signed by the Devils as a free agent on May 30, 2008.

Prior to his North American career, the Nokia, Finland native spent four seasons in the Finish Elite League, recording 77 points (36 goals, 41 assists) in 208 games with Tappara Tampere and Lahti.
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