Thrashers' McCrimmon promoted to associate coach

ATLANTA - Atlanta Thrashers general manager and interim head coach Don Waddell promoted Brad McCrimmon to associate coach on Tuesday.

The announcement could be a step toward McCrimmon being named head coach if Waddell leaves the bench to return to full-time work as general manager. Waddell fired Bob Hartley after an 0-6 start.

McCrimmon, 48, is in his fourth season as an assistant coach in Atlanta.

``Brad is an important part of our coaching staff and this well-deserved promotion reflects the expanded role I have asked him to take on,'' Waddell said.

``He has a great deal of NHL experience, is very well respected and has earned this opportunity.''

McCrimmon, a native of Plenty, Saskatchewan, is a former assistant with Calgary (2000-02) and the New York Islanders (1997-98).

He was the head coach of the Western Hockey League's Saskatoon Blades for two years.

McCrimmon played in 1,222 games over 18 NHL seasons from 1979 to 1997 with Boston, Philadelphia, Calgary, Detroit, Hartford and Phoenix.