Just a Little While Longer: Atlanta Thrashers Re-Sign Bryan Little

The Thrashers have almost completed their locking in of their RFAs with the signing of winger Bryan Little to a three year contract extension.  CapGeek.com lists the extension, which runs through the conclusion of the 2010-2013 season.  Little, who drew a $850,000 salary in his first three seasons in the NHL, will be on the books for a $2,383,333 annual cap hit.  His salary begins at a modest $1,650,000 for this season, with a raise to $2,500,000 for next year, and $3,000,000 the final year.  The perk of this contract is that it allows Little to continue to rebound from his down season last year while giving the Thrashers plenty of time to evaluate his performance to see if he’s worth re-signing as a RFA yet again.  The Thrashers will retain exclusive negotiation rights with Little upon the end of the contract, so the team won’t have to worry about the pressures of re-signing an UFA.

It would not be surprising to see Little on the top line next season with Antropov and Bergfors.  Little still has speed and hands – his issue last season was playing on lines with players who were also non productive.  He should get closer to his 31 goal season of two years ago than his 13 goal season from last year.