Atlanta Thrashers Tickets

Head Coach: Bob Hartley

Niclas Havelid led the team in ice time and played in every game. Evidenced by the three-year $8.1 million contract he received in June (making him the team's highest-paid defense-man and the first player they re-signed) the Thrashers knew they could not afford to lose him.
After Havelid, partner Andy Sutton proved the reliable presence Atlanta needed. Sutton was plus-13 (best on the team's defense) and had eight goals and 25 points.
While Kari Lehtonen's value to the team proved the difference between making and . not making the playoffs, rookie Jim Slater had an excellent season, particularly at the end, finishing with 10 goals and 10 assists in 71 games.
Scott Mellanby had a slow start after not playing during the lockout, but finished strong. Coach Bob Hartley loved the captain's leadership.

In the summer of 1997, the National Hockey League awarded one of three expansion franchises to Atlanta. The Thrashers name was derived from Georgia's state bird.