Chelios Hungry For Another NHL Stint

March 2, 2010 –Michael Frazier

Numerous reports around the NHL say veteran defenseman Chris Chelios has signed a deal with the Atlanta Thrashers. The 48 year old blue-liner has spent this season with the Chicago Wolves of the AHL hoping to return to the senior circuit. It appears he’

ll get his wish. Chelios missed all but 28 games last season due to a broken leg, which is probably why no one was jumping at the chance to sign him as a free agent this past summer. This season with the Wolves, Chelios has scored five goals and 16 assists with a +/- of 35. Chelios grew up in Chicago and spent a significant part of his career with the Blackhawks.

UPDATE: 12:15 p.m.

New reports have surface out of Atlanta that Chelios has indeed signed with the Thrashers, but was immediately sent back down to Chicago. The Thrashers say the signing of Chelios is “for insurance” and when he clears waivers, he will be brought up to the Thrashers as needed. From TSN:

“Chris Chelios on his way back to the NHL, as the veteran blueliner has signed with the Atlanta Thrashers.
Chelios, 48, must clear waivers and will remain with the the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League until the Thrashers call him up.
Chelios signed with the Wolves last fall.
The Chicago native has played in 1,644 NHL games with 185 goals and 763 assists during a career with Montreal, Chicago and Detroit.
Chelios won the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenceman three times, played in 11 NHL All-Star games and was on three Stanley Cup winners, one with Montreal and two with Detroit. He also played in three Olympics.”