Thrashers sign Byfuglien to contract extension

ATLANTA -- All-Star defenseman Dustin Byfuglien has signed a contract extension with the Atlanta Thrashers.

Byfuglien, acquired in an offseason trade with Chicago, leads Atlanta with 43 points. The 25-year-old leads all NHL defensemen with 17 goals.

Thrashers general manager Rick Dudley said Tuesday the new contract will keep Byfuglien in Atlanta for ``many years.'' Terms were not announced.

Byfuglien, from Minneapolis, has been at his best in clutch situations. He has six game-winning goals, one shy of the NHL season record for a defenseman.