Bergfors Is Back

    With Niclas Bergfors re-signed, the Atlanta Thrashers won't have to do any last minute shopping for a top six forward. It was assumed he would stay but you never know until the deal is sealed. Bergfors along with Johnny Oduya and Patrice Cormier were acquired in the deal that saw Atlanta ship its star winger and captain Ilya Kovalchuk to New Jersey. After the trade, Bergfors picked up his scoring pace and topped 44 points total (21-23-44).

    Bergfors will continue to see top six minutes and more ice time than in New Jersey, which should cause his production to rise. The Thrashers may have gotten a steal here as he will only be paid $900,000 with the only downfall being that it is only one year in term. Bergfors would certainly see a lot of interest on the UFA market from stronger franchises. If Berfors does indeed get better, the Thrashers will be tempted to sign him long term and have him be a significant piece of the puzzle for years to come, but it could come at a steep price. Look for him to be paired with centers such as Bryan Little or Rich Peverly and bigger men such as Nik Antropov or Evander Kane.

-Dustin Lundberg