The Thrashers have confirmed that defenseman Alexei Zhitnik has been placed on waivers.

Zhitnik, 35, played a reduced role with the Thrashers last season. He played in only 65 games despite his $3.5 million salary.

He was obtained in Feb. 2007 in a trade with Philadelphia for Braydon Coburn, the Thrashers first-round selection (eighth overall) in the 2003 NHL draft.

When asked two weeks ago if the Thrashers were considering buying out the final year of Zhitnik's contract, general manager Don Waddell said: "That's never been talked about. We think he'll be a big part of our future. We expect him to come back and be part of our team."