The Atlanta Thrashers have assigned their 2008 first-round draft pick, defenseman Zach Bogosian, to the Chicago Wolves for a conditioning stint.
The 18-year-old blueliner was selected by Atlanta with the third overall choice in the National Hockey League Entry Draft last June. He has appeared in nine outings with the Thrashers this season, collecting 13 penalty minutes.
Prior to going pro, the Massena, N.Y., native, spent two seasons with the Ontario Hockey League’s Peterborough Petes, amassing 18 goals, 76 assists, 94 points and 135 penalty minutes in 127 games from 2006 to 2008, which includes leading the team with a career-high 50 assists and 61 points and ranking second on the squad with a +8 plus/minus rating in 60 outings last season. Bogosian, who was the only OHL blueliner to pace his team in points last year, also ranked second among league defensemen with 50 assists and fifth with 61 points and was named to the OHL First All-Star Team.
He joins goaltender Brent Krahn, the Calgary Flames’ first choice, ninth overall, in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft, as the second first-round draft choice on the Wolves roster this season.
Bogosian will be available to make his Wolves debut when the team faces the Rockford IceHogs at the Rockford MetroCentre tonight at 7 p.m. For more information, call 1-800-THE-WOLVES or visit chicagowolves.com.
