Chris Chelios is on his way back to the NHL, after the 48-year-old blueliner has been called up by the Atlanta Thrashers.
Chelios signed with the Thrashers earlier this month but continued to play for the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League. Chelios joined the Wolves last fall.
"Chris has been an outstanding leader and mentor for our young players in Chicago and his level of play has made him deserving of this opportunity," said Thrashers general manager Don Waddell. "He's a tremendous competitor who strengthens our group of defencemen and instantly adds a veteran presence to our locker room."
The Chicago native has played in 1,644 NHL games with 185 goals and 763 assists during a career with Montreal, Chicago and Detroit.
Chelios won the Norris Trophy as the NHL's top defenceman three times, played in 11 NHL All-Star games and was on three Stanley Cup winners, one with Montreal and two with Detroit. He also played in three Olympics.
