Thrashers re-sign Little to three-year deal

By Chris Vivlamore

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Thrashers re-signed restricted free agent forward Bryan Little to a three-year contract worth $7.15 million on Monday. The deal will pay Little $1.65 million this season, $2.5 million in 2011-12 and $3 million in 2012-13.

The Thrashers made Little a qualifying offer in June. The team made re-signing Little, and its other restricted free agent Niclas Bergfors, a priority over the last several weeks.

Little, 22, told the AJC on Friday that he was close to signing a new contract and was looking forward to putting that business behind him and concentrating on the upcoming season.

“It’s probably the most excited I’ve been for a new season to start,” Little said Friday. “I’m excited about the new guys. Anyone who’s been here the last couple years and been through the disappointing seasons is really looking forward to this one.”

Little, a first-round draft pick (No. 12) in 2006, burst onto the Thrashers scene two seasons ago. In his first full year in the NHL, he scored 31 goals. He struggled last season with just 13 goals, admitting he put too much pressure on himself to repeat the success.

The right wing reported to the Thrashers practice facility early last week to begin voluntary on- and off-ice workouts.