Chris Chelios Called Up by Thrashers

Veteran defenseman Chris Chelios is back in the NHL, as the the Atlanta Tharshers recalled the 48-year-old, the club announced Wednesday.

Chelios has already played in more NHL games than any other U.S.-born player (1,644) in a career that stretches back to Montreal in 1983-84 season. It's unclear when Chelios will set a new mark, but the Thrashers travel to Columbus on Thursday and host the New York Rangers on Friday.

"Chris has been an outstanding leader and mentor for our young players in Chicago and his level of play has made him deserving of this opportunity," Thrashers general manager Don Waddell said in a statement. "He's a tremendous competitor who strengthens our group of defensemen and instantly adds a veteran presence to our locker room."

Waddell signed Chelios March 2 before the NHL trading deadline.

Chelios' last game in the NHL came in the playoffs with the Detroit Red Wings -- where he won two of his three Stanley Cups -- on May 27. He's spent this season playing for the AHL's Chicago Wolves, where he has five goals and 17 assists in 46 games.

He also made some headlines off the ice. Chelios was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence in a Chicago suburb on Dec. 28.