The Thrashers finally re-signed restricted free-agent Nic Bergfors to a one-year, $900,000 deal today. The 23-year-old Swedish native came to Atlanta from New Jersey in the Ilya Kovalchuk trade. He scored 21 goals and had 23 assists in his rookie season last year.
It is no surprise that the dynamic forward was re-signed, but a one-year deal seems a little suspect. Probably the biggest reason for the short term signing is the rumor that another work stoppage could be on the horizon for the NHL. Nevertheless, there will be hockey played this year and Bergfors will play a critical role for Atlanta. He will be looked upon to provide a scoring punch, especially on the power play. The Thrash ranked 25th on the power play last year. Nic scored nine of his 21 goals on special teams. The most important stat from his rookie campaign was his six game winning goals, two of which came in his first four games in a Thrashers uniform. If he can replicate that in his first full season in Atlanta, it will be a tremendous boost to a team looking for a scoring leader.
Fans who are looking for Bergfors to replace Kovy, will probably end up disappointed. Fans looking for a young, fast, gutsy player, who can put the puck in the net when called upon, will be pleased when they see Nic on the ice. He is not a player that has the pressure of playing with a big contract, but he will play with the pressure of earning another contract.
GM Rick Dudley also signed unrestricted free-agent Nigel Dawes from Calgary. Dawes was signed to a one-year two-way deal where he will be paid $605,000 at the NHL level and $105,000 if he is sent to the minors after training camp. The 25-year old scored 32 points last year for the Flames and has 83 points in his four NHL seasons.
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