Thrashers sign Stapleton to two-year deal

“I’ve never had that,” Stapleton said of an NHL contract. “It’s something you strive for your whole career. I’ve been playing since I was three years old so I’m really excited about it. It hasn’t really hit me yet. I was in San Antonio 48 hours ago. To be here now, it’s been so surreal.”

Stapleton played six games with the Thrashers last season and scored two goals. He was a free agent following the season and not re-signed. The 5-foot-9, 160-pound Stapleton played 20 games for the Rampage with eight goals and seven assists this season.

Stapleton said he was trying to work out a deal with Phoenix before the Thrashers made him an offer.

With Fredrik Modin (ribs) out and Alexander Burmistrov sore after he took a boarding penalty Sunday against Boston, the Thrashers added Stapleton in a precautionary move.

Burmistrov did not practice Monday before the team departed on a three-game road trip. The rookie was in the lineup on Tuesday against the Avalanche.

He gave me the big grin [and] 'Hey, I can do it,'" Thrashers coach Craig Ramsay said before the game.

Stapleton had 30 goals and 29 assists in 70 games at AHL Chicago last season. In four AHL seasons, with Portland, Toronto, Chicago and San Antonio, Stapleton had 158 points (66 goals, 92 assists). He also had one goal in four games for the NHL’s Maple Leafs.

In other roster news, Patrice Cormier was activated from injured reserve and assigned to AHL Chicago. Cormier has been with the team for more than a week and begins his return from a broken right foot suffered on the eve of Thrashers training camp in September.

Cormier could play Tuesday when the Wolves host Manitoba.

Modin slowly improving

Fredrik Modin is slowly recovering from a rib injury. The forward made the three-game road trip with the team and has participated in practices.

“From a personal standpoint when you are not able to play, it’s always frustrating,” Modin said. “It’s something that’s part of the game and something that, unfortunately, I’ve become accustomed to the last few years. It’s great the team is playing well. From a personal standpoint I’m trying to do everything I can to get back as soon as possible.”

Modin is not expected to play on the road trip. He has missed seven games since suffering the injury on Nov. 13. He played only 117 games in the previous three seasons, mainly due to knee injuries.

In addition to  Modin and Stapleton, Freddy Meyer was the Thrashers other scratch.