The Atlanta Thrashers have made a move to bolster their blueline for a playoff run, acquiring veteran Alexei Zhitnik from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for top defence prospect Braydon Coburn.
Zhitnik, 34, was acquired earlier this season from the New York Islanders, in exchange for Freddy Meyer, and has 23 points and a minus-4 rating in 60 games with the Islanders and Flyers in 2006-2007.
In 1001 career NHL games, Zhitnik has recorded 448 points and 1194 penalty minutes. The 5-foot-11, 215-pounder has a heavy shot from the point and can play a physical game.
Zhitnik also has NHL playoff experience, with 94 career postseason games, though he hasn't participated in the playoffs since 2000-2001 when he was with the Buffalo Sabres.
Coburn, 21, was the 8th overall pick in the 2003 draft and the 6-foot-5, 220-pound blueliner has four points and is plus-1 in 29 games with the Thrashers this season.
Currently in the American Hockey League, Coburn has recorded 11 points and a plus-3 rating in 15 games with the Chicago Wolves of the AHL this season.
In 38 career NHL games, Coburn has five points and is minus-1.
Hockey Guy Notes: Holy batman, highway robbery for the flyers! good deal for the flyer and a bad trade by the thrashers
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I disagree. Many reports out of Atlanta the last two training camps have Cobourn struggling mightily with the NHL game. It's true that defenseman can take some time to find their game (see Rusty Klesla) but there have been more than a few rumblings out of Georgia saying that Cobourn may be a bust in the form of Daniel Tkachuk.
This is a good deal for Atlanta as they need to salvage this sinking ship in quest of unchartered, playoff waters.
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