Roundup

Thrashers sign Nurminen to one-year deal, avoid arbitration

ATLANTA (AP) -- Thrashers goaltender Pasi Nurminen avoided arbitration when he re-signed with the team for $1.1 million on Monday.

Nurminen, who took over as the starter midway through last season and set a franchise record for wins, went 21-19-5 with a goals-against average of 2.88 and save percentage of .906.

Nurminen, who was scheduled for arbitration Monday, got a significant raise over the $630,000 he made last year. The new contract also includes a team option for a second season at $1.4 million.

Nurminen played for Finland in the 2002 Olympics and in the World Championships in 2000, 2001 and 2003. He became the Thrashers' starter after Milan Hnilicka played inconsistently and Byron Dafoe was injured.

"Pasi provided us with a steady presence in net last season, and we look for him to continue as a key contributor for us in the future," general manager Don Waddell said.

The Thrashers open training camp Sept. 11.

Wild re-sign defenseman Mitchell

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- The Minnesota Wild re-signed restricted free agent defenseman Willie Mitchell to a one-year contract Monday.

Mitchell had 12 assists in a career-high 69 games last season. He has six goals and 31 assists in 172 career NHL games with Minnesota and New Jersey.

Mitchell was acquired by the Wild in March 2001 in a trade with New Jersey.

 

Related information

Multimedia

Visit Video Plus for the latest audio and video