Thrashers sign Afinogenov, Popovic

Russian forward Maxim Afinogenov and Canadian defenseman Mark Popovic, who played in the preseason with the Atlanta Thrashers on pro tryouts, signed with the NHL team on Tuesday. Afinogenov had one goal and an assist in three preseason games. The nine-year NHL veteran has 334 career points, including 134 goals, with the Buffalo Sabres. The 30-year-old from Moscow also played in 49 playoff games with Buffalo. Afinogenov played for Russia in the 2002 and 2006 Olympics.