Thrashers Sign Defenseman Welch to One-Year Contract

The Atlanta Thrashers announced on Wednesday that they have signed defenseman Noah Welch to a one-year, two-way contract. He will earn $550,000 at the NHL level and $105,000 at the minor league level. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In 37 games last season with Chicago of the AHL, he had one goal and four assists for five points. This is really just a depth signing for the Thrashers, as Welch is likely to spend most of next season in the minors. He has some offensive skill and a decent shot, so he should be a good addition for Atlanta's AHL affiliate.