Slumping Thrashers trade for Tkachuk  

The Atlanta Thrashers are no longer worrying about the future. They don't want to wait 'til next year anymore.

It's time to make the playoffs.

With their second deal in two days, the slumping Thrashers acquired rugged forward Keith Tkachuk from the St. Louis Blues on Sunday, giving up right wing Glen Metropolit, a first-round pick in 2007 and two other draft choices.

The Thrashers paid a steep price for Tkachuk, hoping he can stop the free fall that sent them tumbling from first place to a state of desperation as they try to hang on for a spot in the playoffs.

Atlanta is one of only two franchises (Columbus is the other) that has never made the postseason.

"Over the years, we've always been pretty conservative when it comes to trading away picks or prospects. We've always protected the future," Thrashers general manager Don Waddell said. "Well, the future for us is now."