The Atlanta Thrashers gave up a piece of their future for some help today, trading young defenseman Braydon Coburn to the Philadelphia Flyers Saturday night for veteran blueliner Alexei Zhitnik.

It's the second time this season Zhitnik's been traded, having been dealt to the Flyers back in December by the New York Islanders.

Coburn was seen as a vital piece of the Thrashers future when he was drafted in the first round (8th overall) in 2003, but was slow to crack their roster. He'd played only 29 games this season with the Thrashers and has spent the rest of the season with their farm team.

This could be seen perhaps as a bit of a panic move by GM Don Waddell, as his club has been floundering of late, dropping out of first in the Southeast Division and potentially in danger of missing the playoffs once again.

Zhitnik is an established veteran defenseman, but Waddell may have given up too much to land a blueliner whom the Islanders had decided to dump earlier this season. He also brings in considerable salary, earning an average of $3.504 million for the next two seasons, which'll take a considerable bite out of the Thrashers payroll.

It was believed Waddell's priority was a second line center, which he undoubtedly could've had for a promising young defenseman like Coburn and perhaps a second or third round pick. That's what makes this move for Zhitnik so puzzling, one that isn't likely to sit that well with Thrashers fans.

Granted, Coburn hasn't developed as hoped, and it's possible he might become a bust, but it should be remembered that it takes longer for defensemen to develop than forwards. There's still plenty of time for Coburn to round into form.

Flyers fans should be pleased by this move. They land a promising young defenseman and dump a good chunk of payroll, which could be used toward rebuilding the team in the off-season.

If the Thrashers were expecting this move to put them into the playoffs, they could be disappointed. And if Coburn goes on to a bright future in Philly, it could come back to haunt them.

Hat tip to my buddy James Mirtle for the correction on Zhitnik's salary.