Ron Hainsey has recorded over 30 points in each of the last two seasons for Columbus. (Paul Vernon/Associated Press)The Atlanta Thrashers signed defenceman Ron Hainsey, put on waivers less than three days ago, to a massive deal on the second day of free agency.
Hainsey, 27, was signed for $22.5 million US over five years, a source told the Canadian Press. The Bolton, Ct., native earned $900,000 the past season with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Hainsey scored eight goals and added 24 assists in 78 games in 2007-08, his third season with Columbus. It was his second consecutive season with more than 30 points.
The Blue Jackets acquired him off waivers in late 2005 from the Montreal Canadiens, who selected Hainsey 13th overall in the 2001 NHL draft.
Hainsey has scored 20 goals, 16 of them on the power play, and added 65 assists in 245 career regular season games. He has a career minus-11 rating.
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With files from the Canadian Press
