Sports news had the Atlanta Thrashers calling up 48-year-old defenseman Chris Chelios on Wednesday. Chelios is an 11-time All-Star and he had been playing with the AHL Chicago Wolves. Sports betting online stats indicated that he has played in more games than any other American-born NHL player.
Sports betting had Chelios with five goals and 17 assists in 46 games with Chicago. Atlanta is hoping that Chelios can snap them out of a three-game losing streak. Atlanta is at Columbus on Thursday night in sports betting online action.
Chelios is an NHL veteran but his best days are long since behind him. How much of a help he can be to Atlanta is a question mark but he still loves the game and he will attract fans. He has three Stanley Cups in his resume and three Norris Trophies. “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 defensemen and instantly adds a veteran presence to our locker room.”
Only one other player has played in the NHL that was older than Chelios and that was Gordie Howe. Chelios has 948 points in his career with Detroit, Chicago and Montreal. He has appeared in 266 Stanley Cup playoff games.
Atlanta is still in the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference. They entered play on Wednesday just four points out of the last playoff spot. Defense has been a major problem for the Thrashers. They are 28th in the league in goals allowed so they do need defensive help. The question is whether or not Chelios can actually help them on defense. Chelios loves the game and went to the minor leagues to continue playing. He was not terrible with Chicago in the AHL but he does not have the speed anymore to contain top offensive forwards. He will have to hope that his defensive partner is a good one and that he can use his physical skills to make up for his lack of speed. Atlanta doesn’t have much to lose though considering their defense is already terrible. Chelios will make his Atlanta Thrashers debut on Thursday and it will be an interesting one to watch in sports betting online.