Thrashers Acquire Keith Tkachuk From St. Louis

[Smashing Machine]

Atlanta, GA -- The Atlanta Thrashers have acquired all-star forward Keith Tkachuk from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for forward Glen Metropolit, first-round and third-round draft choices in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, a second-round choice in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft and a conditional first-round choice in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell.

Tkachuk has notched 43 points (20 goals, 23 assists) in 61 games with St. Louis this season. He ranks second on the club in goals and points, while leading the club with eight power-play goals and 92 penalty minutes.

The 6-2, 225-pound forward has twice been named to the NHL Second All-Star Team (1995 and 1998) and played in the NHL All-Star Game four times (1997, 1998, 1999 and 2004).

Tkachuk, 34, is seven points shy of reaching 50 for the 12th time in 14 NHL seasons and has notched 20-or-more goals 13 times, 30-or-more goals eight times and 40-or-more goals four times. He recorded a career-best 52 goals with Phoenix in 1996-97 and a career-high 48 assists and 98 points with the Winnipeg Jets in 1995-96. He has played in at least 70 games in a season seven times in his career.

The native of Melrose, Mass., has earned 911 points (466 goals, 445 assists) and 1,999 penalty minutes in 958 NHL games with Winnipeg, Phoenix and St. Louis. He has notched 53 points (27 goals, 26 assists) in 81 career playoff games

Tkachuk has represented the United States in international competition on six occasions, including the 1992, 1998, 2002 and 2006 Winter Olympics, winning a Silver Medal in 2002. He also participated in the 1996 and 2004 World Cup of Hockey, helping the United States win the championship in 1996.

Originally selected by Winnipeg in the first round, 19th overall, in the 1990 NHL Entry Draft, Tkachuk was acquired by St. Louis from Phoenix (formerly Winnipeg) for Michal Handzus, Ladislav Nagy, Jeff Taffe, and a 2002 first-round selection (Ben Eager) on March 13, 2001. He played one season of collegiate hockey with Boston University.

Metropolit recorded 28 points (12 goals, 16 assists) in 57 games with Atlanta this season. The native of Toronto, Ontario, has registered 75 points (22 goals, 53 assists) and 46 penalty minutes in 160 NHL games with Washington, Tampa Bay and Atlanta. Metropolit was signed by Atlanta as a free agent on July 3, 2006.

[Isles4life]

It'll be interesting to see if Tkachuk accepts the deal. Even though Atlanta has fallen off, the way they played earlier this season proves they can contend. Just when it looked like Atlanta didn't have much left to give up. If this goes through that's a big boost to their offense.

[Smashing Machine]

Originally Posted by Isles4life

It'll be interesting to see if Tkachuk accepts the deal. Even though Atlanta has fallen off, the way they played earlier this season proves they can contend. Just when it looked like Atlanta didn't have much left to give up. If this goes through that's a big boost to their offense.

I agree and a big name with experience is needed MORE THAN ANYTHING. The deal is done it's up to KT.

This guy will help in the dressing room also as the whole "falling off" is due in lieu of players caving under the pressure. KT is the exact type of player we need right now, and he is worth the price IMO.

Not sure who the roster player is.. but Im guessing it could be Glen Metropolit as he was a healthy scratch last night.

[rondo]

It's a done deal. Walt waived his no trade. TSN.CA...

[Smashing Machine]

Originally Posted by rondo

It's a done deal. Walt waived his no trade. TSN.CA...

awesome, great news.

[mr_athlete2002]

http://spectorshockey.tripod.com/spe...e_rumours.html

"FEBRUARY 25, 2007.

UPDATED: 9:50 AM EST.

TKACHUK HEADING TO ATLANTA.

TSN.CA: Darren Dreger reports sources claim the St. Louis Blues have agreed to a deal that'll send Keith Tkachuk to the Atlanta Thrashers. However, the deal hinges on Tkachuk deciding if he'll waive his "no-trade" clause to go to Atlanta. He's apparently discussing it with his family. The swap "is believed to include a variety of draft picks, including a first rounder, as well as a player off Atlanta's roster."

UPDATE: TSN now reports Tkachuk has agreed to waive the clause. Details on the return hopefully to follow soon.

KUKLA'S KORNER: reports the return as follows: "Glen Metropolit, Atlanta’s 2007 1st round pick, 3rd round pick, a 2nd rounder in 2008. There is also a conditional pick based upon whether Tkachuk resigns in Atlanta or not"

Spector's Note : I'll be following this closely. More details to follow."
from spector.

[Smashing Machine]

Originally Posted by mr_athlete2002

http://spectorshockey.tripod.com/spe...e_rumours.html

FEBRUARY 25, 2007.

UPDATED: 9:50 AM EST.

TKACHUK HEADING TO ATLANTA.

TSN.CA: Darren Dreger reports sources claim the St. Louis Blues have agreed to a deal that'll send Keith Tkachuk to the Atlanta Thrashers. However, the deal hinges on Tkachuk deciding if he'll waive his "no-trade" clause to go to Atlanta. He's apparently discussing it with his family. The swap "is believed to include a variety of draft picks, including a first rounder, as well as a player off Atlanta's roster."

UPDATE: TSN now reports Tkachuk has agreed to waive the clause. Details on the return hopefully to follow soon.

KUKLA'S KORNER: reports the return as follows: "Glen Metropolit, Atlanta’s 2007 1st round pick, 3rd round pick, a 2nd rounder in 2008. There is also a conditional pick based upon whether Tkachuk resigns in Atlanta or not"

Spector's Note : I'll be following this closely. More details to follow.

wow looks like I was right in Metro being the player as he was scratched last night and that's normally a big sign. I am also happy to see him go.

[CairnsisGod]

Originally Posted by mr_athlete2002

http://spectorshockey.tripod.com/spe...e_rumours.html



KUKLA'S KORNER: reports the return as follows: "Glen Metropolit, Atlanta’s 2007 1st round pick, 3rd round pick, a 2nd rounder in 2008. There is also a conditional pick based upon whether Tkachuk resigns in Atlanta or not"

Spector's Note : I'll be following this closely. More details to follow."
from spector.

Holy crap! Atlanta is giving up a lot of picks for Tkachuk.

[mr_athlete2002]

atlanta gets 2 veterans for a playoff run in the last 12 hours. zhitnik and tkachuk. they are not playing games. their serious about making a playoff run.

[Smashing Machine]

Originally Posted by CairnsisGod

Holy crap! Atlanta is giving up a lot of picks for Tkachuk.

small price to pay to hopefully save a sinking ship. as was stated..Atlanta was a juggernaut at the start of the year. KT makes us better and was worth it IMO.

Look at our past picks anyway. Coburn..where's he at..
The last good draft pick we got was Exelby...and that was round 7.

I don't think we are throwing away the future here. But this had to be done, we needed a splash..and credit to Trader Don for making one.

[CairnsisGod]

Originally Posted by Smashing Machine

I don't think we are throwing away the future here. But this had to be done, we needed a splash..and credit to Trader Don for making one.

I agree with you here. More than anyone, Atlanta desperately needs to make the playoffs.

[Smashing Machine]

Originally Posted by mr_athlete2002

atlanta gets 2 veterans for a playoff run in the last 12 hours. zhitnik and tkachuk. they are not playing games. their serious about making a playoff run.

we have improved..and Metro was very streaky...when hot this guy is awesome..but when he;s not..he blows.

Atlanta had to do this, and as a fan I'm happy we pulled off a big deal.
I've always respected Tkachuk, a true leader, hard nosed hockey player, something that is needed. I wish Mellanby was younger.. Tkachuk is a lot like him in the character aspect. Great trade, maybe the morons will shut up about the worthless Coburn getting dealt now.

[Smashing Machine]

Originally Posted by CairnsisGod

I agree with you here. More than anyone, Atlanta desperately needs to make the playoffs.

It has been guranteed for two years now..and last year we came up short by 2 pts.

It's do or die time.
Don Waddell will be fired if we come up short again, and I expect a massive overhaul other than Kovalchuk, Hossa and Lehtonen to take place if that's the case.

This team can go deep in the playoffs... but we have to get there first.

[rondo]

Originally Posted by mr_athlete2002

atlanta gets 2 veterans for a playoff run in the last 12 hours. zhitnik and tkachuk. they are not playing games. their serious about making a playoff run.

Agreed they have never made the playoffs as the thrashers. These two veteran's have a ton of experience and will make an impact immediately. Tkachuck will help take pressure off Kovalchuk and Hossa. Zhitnik is a very solid d-man who i'm sure is happy as hell to get out of the mess (rebuilding) in philly.

[Smashing Machine]

Originally Posted by rondo

Agreed they have never made the playoffs as the thrashers. These two veteran's have a ton of experience and will make an impact immediately. Tkachuck will help take pressure off Kovalchuk and Hossa. Zhitnik is a very solid d-man who i'm sure is happy as hell to get out of the mess (rebuilding) in philly.

where are you in the Coburn thread ? lol
it's me against all those morons who don't know anything about hockey and why trades are actually made.

some gay italian Bruin fan seems to have a hard on for the Flyers...which is treason last time i checked. worthless bandwagoners.