Left winger Bryan Adams was one of the first ever free agents signed by the expansion Atlanta Thrashers, but has spent the bulk of his career toiling with their minor league affiliate. Adams, who signed with Atlanta on July 1, 1999 after a successful collegiate career with Michigan State University that included a two CCHA Championships and a trip to the Frozen Four, spent all but two games of his rookie pro season playing for the Orlando Solar Bears of the International Hockey League.
On March 3, 2000 the Thrashers summoned Adams and the next night in Ottawa he made his NHL debut but was held pointless. Back on the farm, Adams put together an impressive debut campaign by scoring 16 goals and 34 points in 64 contests. His totals were good for second in the league among first year players. The following year he upped his totals to 18 goals and 46 points and was rewarded with a longer stint with the Thrashers.
This time he saw action in 9 games starting with a call up in January and was able to record his first NHL point, an assist versus the New Jersey Devils, in that span. Back in Orlando Adams helped lead the Solar Bears to a Turner Cup Championship. With the demise of the IHL following Orlando's title, Adams minor league career was re-routed to Chicago for the 2001-02 campaign.
Adams went on to play one season in Chicago, before joining the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins in 2002-03.
