ATLANTA — The Atlanta Thrashers have signed general manager Rick Dudley to a four-year contract extension.

The 62-year-old Dudley was named only the second general manager in the team's history in 2010. He followed Don Waddell, now the team's president.

Waddell said Thursday Dudley has "taken great strides" with several moves, including the addition of All-Star defenseman Dustin Byfuglien from the Chicago Blackhawks. Dudley previously worked with the Blackhawks for five years, including two years as assistant general manager.

The Thrashers are 10th in the Eastern Conference, five points behind eighth-place Carolina. Dudley says the team is building "in the proper way."

Dudley also has been the general manager for the Florida Panthers and Ottawa Senators.