Atlanta Thrashers Agree to Terms with 2002 First Round Sel..

ATLANTA (August 15, 2005) -- The Atlanta Thrashers have agreed to terms
with forward Jim Slater, who was selected in the first round, 30th
overall, in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft, according to Executive Vice
President and General Manager Don Waddell. Terms of the deal were not
disclosed.

?Jim enjoyed a successful career at Michigan State and we look forward
to his continued development at the professional level,? said Waddell.
?He has a great deal of potential which will be enhanced as he competes
for a spot on our roster.?

Slater matched his career high, tied for fifth in the CCHA and placed
11th among all NCAA Division 1 players with 48 points (16 goals, 32
assists) in 41 games with Michigan State last season. The 6-0, 190-pound
center also set a career high in assists and led the CCHA with 27 power-
play points, including a career-best eight power-play goals.

The 22-year old forward notched 172 points (64 goals, 108 assists) in
157 games with Michigan State from 2001-05, ranking 23rd on the school's
all-time list. Slater, who missed just six games in his four years with
the Spartans, notched at least 40 points in his final three seasons and
set career highs with 19 goals and 48 points in 2003-04. He was named as
a Top 10 Finalist for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award and was named to
the All-America Second Team that season.

Slater, who was born in Petoskey and grew up in Lapeer, Mich., served as
the Spartans team captain during his junior and senior seasons. He
became just the sixth player in school history to serve as team captain
for consecutive seasons and served as an alternate captain during his
sophomore season. He earned several league and team awards during his
career at Michigan State, including 2004-05 All CCHA Honorable Mention
status, CCHA All Conference First Team selection in 2003-04 and 2002-03,
finalist for 2003-04 CCHA Player of Year Award and MSU MVP for
consecutive seasons in 2003-04 and 2004-05. He earned the 2004-05 Bill
Burgess Outstanding Senior Award, given annually to the Spartan senior
who exemplified leadership and consistency throughout their hockey
career, and the 2004-05 Amo Bessone Award, given annually to a Michigan
State student-athlete for their contributions in athletics, scholastics
and community participation.

Slater helped Team USA finish fifth at the 2002 World Junior
Championships held in Pardubice and Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic,
notching five points (one goal, four assists) in seven games. He led the
team in assists and ranked third in points.