Per NHL.com:
The Atlanta Thrashers on Wednesday called up 48-year-old defenseman Chris Chelios.
Chelios has spent most of the season with the Thrashers’ AHL team, the Chicago Wolves. In 46 games, he had 5 goals and 22 points, and was fourth in the league with a plus-34 rating.
“Chris has been an outstanding leader and mentor for our young players in Chicago and his level of play has made him deserving of this opportunity,” said Thrashers GM Don Waddell. “He’s a tremendous competitor who strengthens our group of defensemen and instantly adds a veteran presence to our locker room.”
Chelios has 185 goals, 948 points and 2,891 penalty minutes in 1,644 games with the Canadiens, Blackhawks and Red Wings.
In his 25 NHL seasons, he’s first all-time in games played by a defenseman, and fourth in League history, behind only Gordie Howe, Mark Messier and Ron Francis. He’s also in the top 10 among defensemen in assists (eighth) and points (10th). He’s also won three Norris trophies.
Last season, Chelios was scoreless in 28 regular-season games with the Red Wings and another six in the playoffs.
