TORONTO -- The Atlanta Thrashers acquired forward Slava Kozlov from the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday, landing the proven, experienced shooter they desired for their young top line.

	Kozlov

Atlanta also acquired Buffalo's 41st overall pick in the draft in exchange for the 31st and 82nd selections.

"We're excited about being able to put that type of proven player in our lineup,'' Thrashers Don Waddell said during the NHL draft. "It's good. We need to win hockey games now. We have to supplement our younger players now.''

Waddell envisioned Kozlov playing alongside last year's rookie of the year Dany Heatley and Ilya Kovalchuk, a runner-up for the award.

Kozlov appeared in only 38 Sabres games last season after tearing his left Achilles' tendon in December, and missed the rest of the season. He finished with nine goals and 22 points.

Waddell said Kozlov is recuperating well and should be fully recovered for the start of next season.

It's the second consecutive year in which Kozlov has been dealt. He was acquired by Buffalo in the deal that sent six-time Vezina-winning goaltender Dominik Hasek to Detroit. Kozlov, an 11-year veteran, is a two-time 30-goal-scorer.

His best season was with Detroit in the 1995-96 season in which he scored 36 goals and 73 points.

The Sabres swung a first-round deal, giving up their 30th pick and the rights to unsigned prospect Mike Pandolfo to Columbus, for the Blue Jackets' No. 20 pick. Buffalo drafted left wing Dan Paille.