The Atlanta Thrashers hired John Anderson as their new head coach on Thursday, promoting him from their American Hockey League affiliate in Chicago.
Anderson has won four minor-league titles as a head coach, including the 2008 Calder Cup with the Wolves earlier this month.
Anderson, 51, also guided the Wolves to the Calder Cup in 2002 and the International Hockey League's Turner Cup in 1998 and 2000.
"I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Chicago but I'm thrilled to now have the opportunity to take those achievements and advance my career in Atlanta with an exciting organization like the Thrashers," said Anderson. "This team has some great talent, and I look forward to the challenge or maximizing our potential and returning to the playoffs."
The Thrashers made the announcement official on Friday, hours before the start of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft
Toronto's first pick (11th overall) in the 1977 amateur draft, Anderson played 12 seasons in the National Hockey League with the Maple Leafs (1977-1985); Quebec Nordiques (1985-86); and Hartford Whalers (1986-1989).