Thrashers sign Dustin Byfuglien to 5 year deal

The Atlanta Thrashers announced this afternoon that the team has signed defenseman Dustin Byfuglien to a multi-year extension. The deal is a 5 year contract worth $26 million with a $5.2 million cap hit.

Byfuglien, 25, has 17 goals and 43 assists on the season and has emerged as one of the most dynamic defenseman in the game. Byfuglien has moved from forward to defense this season.

This is a significant deal for the Thrashers from the standpoint that they were able to keep one of their core players long-term. Something that is a rarity for the Thrahsers who have seen star players Marc Savard, Marian Hossa and Iyla Kovalchuck force their way out of Atlanta.