BLUELAND BEAT: Byfuglien signed to multi-year deal

The Atlanta Thrashers have signed defenseman Dustin Byfuglien to a multiple-year contract extension, according to General Manager Rick Dudley.

“Dustin has emerged into an elite player this season and been invaluable as a leader both on and off the ice,” said Dudley. “It was a priority to sign him and we’re looking forward to witnessing his All-Star caliber play for many years to come.”

Byfuglien, 25, leads the team and ranks fifth in the NHL among defenseman in scoring with 43 points (17 goals, 26 assists) this season while leading all league defenseman in goals. He has tallied six game-winning goals, one shy of the NHL record for a defenseman in a single season and tied the Thrashers single-game scoring record for a defensemen with four points (one goal, three assists) against Boston on Nov. 28. Byfuglien was named the NHL’s second star of the week (period ending Nov. 28) and the league’s third star for the month of November. For his efforts this season, he was also named an NHL All-Star.

The Minneapolis, Minn., native has appeared in 318 career NHL games while totaling 152 points (72 goals, 80 assists) with the Chicago Blackhawks (2005-06 to 2009-10) and Thrashers (2010-11). Last season with the Blackhawks, Byfuglien recorded 16 points (11 goals, five assists) in 22 post-season games while helping lead the team to the 2010 Stanley Cup Championship. The 6-5, 265-pound defenseman has also compiled 25 points (14 goals, 11 assists) in 39 career playoff games.

Byfuglien was acquired by the Thrashers this past offseason in a trade with Chicago on June 24, 2010. He was originally selected by the Blackhawks in the eighth round (245th overall) of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.

Secure the option to purchase 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff seats by ordering pro-rated Atlanta Thrashers Season Tickets, or build your own flex plan by selecting the games that work best for you. For more information, please call 1-866-715-1500 or visit www.thrashersseasontickets.com. Individual game tickets for all home games are on sale at all Ticketmaster Ticket Outlets and the Philips Arena Box Office, or online at www.atlantathrashers.com.