Thrashers Acquire Zhitnik From Philadelphia for Coburn

[Shawn33]

The Atlanta Thrashers have acquired defenseman Alexei Zhitnik from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for defenseman Braydon Coburn, according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell.

Zhitnik, who played in the NHL All-Star Game in 1999 and 2002, has notched 23 points (five goals, 18 assists) in 60 games with Philadelphia and the New York Islanders this season. The 5-11, 215-pound defenseman notched 11 points (two goals, nine assists) in 30 games with the Islanders before being acquired by the Flyers for Freddy Meyer and a conditional draft pick on Dec. 16, 2006. He has notched 12 points (three goals, nine assists) in 30 games since joining the Flyers.

The native of Kiev, Ukraine, has earned 448 points (91 goals, 357 assists) and 1,194 penalty minutes in 1,001 NHL games with Los Angeles, Buffalo, the Islanders and Philadelphia. Zhitnik became the eighth non-North American defenseman to reach 1,000 NHL games at Buffalo on Feb. 20. He notched 29 points (five goals, 24 assists) in 59 games with the Islanders last season, missing the final 18 games due to a fractured ankle suffered against New Jersey on March 14.

Zhitnik, 34, is seven points away from reaching at least 30 points for the ninth time in 13 NHL seasons. He registered a career-high 40 assists and 52 points with the Kings in 1993-94, and a career-best 15 goals with Buffalo in 1997-98. He has played in at least 70 games in a season 10 times in his career. Zhitnik has notched 39 points (nine goals, 30 assists) in 94 career Stanley Cup Playoff games, making two trips to the Stanley Cup Finals with the Kings in 1993 and the Sabres in 1998.

Zhitnik has represented Russia in International competition on five occasions, including the 1992 and 1998 Olympics, and the 1996 World Cup of Hockey. He helped the Russians capture the silver medal at the 1998 Olympics in Nagano, Japan.

Originally selected by Los Angeles in the fourth round, 81st overall, in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft, Zhitnik was acquired by Buffalo along with Robb Stauber, Charlie Huddy and a fifth-round selection in the 1995 NHL Draft (Marian Menhart) for Grant Fuhr, Philippe Boucher and Denis Tsygurov on Feb. 14, 1995. He signed with the Islanders as a free agent on Aug. 2, 2005.

Coburn recorded four assists and 30 penalty minutes in 29 games with Atlanta this season prior to being assigned to Chicago (AHL) on Feb. 7. He has earned 11 points (one goal, 10 assists) in 15 games with Wolves this season. The native of Calgary, Alberta, has registered five assists and 34 penalty minutes in 38 NHL games with Atlanta. Coburn was originally the club’s first-round draft pick, eighth overall, in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.

[forsberg21]

Philly totally destroyed Atlanta in that if its true.

[Smashing Machine]

Coburn has blown ass for Atlanta, and pray he never tries to fight again.

This is GREAT news because Valabik now can make the jump and murder people in the NHL.

[Smashing Machine]

Originally Posted by forsberg21

Philly totally destroyed Atlanta in that if its true.

It's true.. Atlanta GM is on tv right now talking about it.

[McDonald19]

good trade for the Flyers.

[Smashing Machine]

watch Coburn play first.

about two games in you are gonna be yelling for him to play like he is 6 foot 5.
he is not physical at all like he was touted as being. the odd fight will find him, but that's it. he does not hit, and the pressure Valabik has been putting on toward making the roster next year has eased this move to be made.

Atlanta dropped the ball by not drafting Phaneuf, and going with Coburn who was a bust. i think he'll do well there... but you will not like his style of play of not hitting and being physical.

[flyersrule]

i hope they turn around and trade coyburn cause he's useless

[Isles4life]

Coburn has not played like people want, but he still is young. Zhitnik is washed up and doesn't really bring anything to the table anymore. I think Philly wins this deal even if Coburn hasn't turned out as planned.

[Blouin]

I like Philly in this trade. older player for potential trade bait or now with change of scenary, maybe Coburn will flourish

[PhantomsSTH1977]

Great trade for Philly. Zhitnik's jersey number is almost the same as his age.

[Humpzilla]

Philly wins this trade. Though thats not saying much...

[Smashing Machine]

Originally Posted by PhantomsSTH1977

Great trade for Philly. Zhitnik's jersey number is almost the same as his age.

as Braydon Coburn's number 4 is how many times he will bump into someone in an entire season.

[JoshGrattonFan]

Good,the less he bumps means the less interference calls. Maybe Zhitnik should learn that.He has 80PIM I believe,all minors.

Philly wins this deal. I have no clue why they ever traded Freddy Meyer for Alexei ****nik.

[EagerForprez55]

Good trade. they get rid of huge salary so no complaints here

[Lead]

Coburn wasnt that good as many was saying he is. It seemed he couldnt find his pace in Atlanta, didnt look too much comfortable with the puck. As far as trade goes, still Flyers edged Atlanta. Zhitnik is not done yet, but close to it. Giving young Coburn (who still has some potential) for high payed veteran....