Nashville, TN--Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has acquired defenseman Grant Lewis from the Atlanta Thrashers in exchange for forward Ian McKenzie.

Lewis split the 2009-10 season between the Chicago Wolves and Hershey Bears, and appeared in one postseason contest during the Bears’ run to the 2010 Calder Cup. The 6-3, 190-pound blueliner, who also played on the Wolves’ 2008 Calder Cup-winning team, has posted 44 points (3g-41a) and 145 penalty minutes in 133 AHL contests since turning pro in 2007. He has also appeared in one NHL game with the Thrashers on March 3, 2009 vs. Florida.

The Upper Saint Clair, Pa., native was originally Atlanta’s second selection, 40th overall (second round), in the 2004 Entry Draft. He played four seasons at Dartmouth College (ECAC) from 2003-07, posting 77 points (13g-64) and 172 penalty minutes in 120 collegiate contests, and in 2003-04 was named to the 2004 ECAC All-Rookie Team in addition to being the only freshman to be a 2004 ECAC First-Team, All-Ivy League First Team and New England Hockey Writers All-Star selection.

McKenzie split time with the Admirals and the Cincinnati Cyclones (ECHL) the past two seasons. He totaled five points (4g-1a) in 50 games for the Admirals and 20 points (15g-5a) in 64 games with Cincy in that time.

The Admirals kick off the 2010-11 campaign on Saturday, October 9 when they play host to the Abbotsford Heat at the Bradley Center. Individual tickets will go on sale at a later date, however season tickets for the upcoming season are on sale now for as little as $145. For more information or to order season tickets, fans should call the Admirals office at (414) 227-0550. Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter (@mkeadmirals) and on Facebook!