Eager avoids arbitration, agrees to deal with Atl

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

Terms of the contract weren't announced Wednesday night.

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 defenseman 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.