Will Zhitnik be a Thrasher next season?

Atlanta Thrashers GM Don Waddell tells Craig Custance of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he plans on holding on to struggling defenseman Alexei Zhitnik past this season.

Even after benching the veteran four times already this season.

“Absolutely. Right now, there’s no reason not to,” he said.

Things could change though. With Zhitnik set to earn $3.5 million next season, perhaps the Thrashers will realize that having that much salary invested in a player that can’t crack their line-up on a regular basis may not be the way to go.

So what can they do?

Well, the Thrashers could try to trade Zhitnik. However, due to his salary and inconsistent play it’s unlikely there will be any takers.

Buying him out is another option, though Custance doesn’t believe it will give the club any worthwhile “financial relief.”

The Thrashers also have the option of placing Zhitnik on waivers. A team in need of some depth on defense might want to claim Zhitnik on re-entry waivers at half his pay check.

Regardless of what happens, look for the Russian native to continue his hockey career in the NHL as he still hopes to win the Stanley Cup someday. So, don’t expect Zhitnik to bolt for an European league any time soon.

“I have played [in the NHL] for 15 years. I have another year on my contract,” he said. “I wouldn’t think to go anywhere else. I want to win a Stanley Cup. There are no Stanley Cups in Russia.”