Keith Tkachuk is finally on the move.

The veteran forward agreed to waive his no-trade clause, allowing the St. Louis Blues to trade him today to the Atlanta Thrashers in exchange for forward 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 (courtesy Kukla's Korner).

The Blues were seeking high draft picks and/or prospects for Tkachuk, and with this deal, they certainly have that and more. Even though this year's draft isn't expected to be a deep one, it'll nevertheless give the Blues a better opportunity at landing a quality prospect.

Metropolit's had a career resurgence this season in Atlanta, signing with them as an unrestricted free agent last summer after spending the previous three years playing in Europe. It remains to be seen how well he'll fit under Andy Murray's system in St. Louis.

Thrashers GM Don Waddell was long believed interested in Tkachuk, particularly with his club sliding down the standings and with a long-anticipated playoff berth now in jeopardy. Waddell didn't have to part with much off his roster to land him, and with the quality of talent already locked up long term (Ilya Kovalchuk, Marian Hossa) Waddell obviously feels he can sacrifice a first rounder in a weak draft year for immediate roster help.

It remains to be seen, however, if this'll pay the immediate dividend that Waddell's roster needs to stabilize their position in the standings. Tkachuk doesn't come with a reputation as a playoff gamebreaker, and it's unlikely the Thrashers will be able to re-sign him after this season.

Indeed, it's entirely possible Tkachuk could return to the Blues as an unrestricted free agent this summer, following the same example as his now-former Blues teammate Doug Weight and Pittsburgh Penguins forward Mark Recchi. Both agreed to be dealt to the Carolina Hurricanes, and after helping that team win the Stanley Cup, re-signed with their former teams.

All of that, however, is for the future. For now, the Thrashers and their fans will be thrilled if Tkachuk can bolster their playoff hopes. If he can, it may be worth the price.