The Atlanta Thrashers have announced that they have signed right wing Anthony Stewart and defenseman Noah Welch to contracts. The exact length and financial terms of the deals were not disclosed. Stewart played in 59 games for the Florida Panthers last season, scoring two goals and five assists for seven points. In 105 career games, he has four goals and eight assists for 12 points. He was not tendered a qualifying offer by the Panthers just prior to July 1, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent. Welch split last season between the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning after being dealt to the Lightning with a third round pick in the 2009 draft for Steve Eminger. In 40 games with the Panthers and Lightning, Welch scored one goal and one assist for two points. He also appeared in seven games with the Panthers’ AHL affiliate in Rochester, scoring three assists.
Stewart is not a bad signing for the Thrashers, though he needs to prove himself at the NHL level. Once one of the top prospects in the Panthers’ system, he has not been able to play up to his potential at the pro level, leaving him nothing more than a third line forward, although the Panthers probably could have given him more of a shot to prove himself. Stewart has plenty of untapped offensive potential and this could be a great signing for the Thrashers if he can get on his game. Perhaps the change of scenery could be enough to jumpstart Stewart’s career and turn him into the power forward he was once projected to become. Welch is really just a depth signing for the Thrashers. He will likely be the sixth or seventh defenseman on the team next season given their depth on defense.
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