Eager and Thrashers agree to terms on new deal, avoid arbitration

ATLANTA - The Thrashers and recently acquired forward Ben Eager have agreed to terms on new deal Wednesday night, avoiding arbitration.

The 26-year-old restricted free agent played in 60 games last season with the Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks.

He had seven goals, nine assists and a team-leading 120 penalty minutes, and then added a goal and two assists in 18 playoff games.

Eager was dealt to Atlanta on June 24 with forward Dustin Byfuglien and defenceman Brent Sopel by the Blackhawks for a package of draft picks and players.

In 255 NHL regular-season games with Philadelphia and Chicago, Eager has 27 goals and 25 assists.