COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The Columbus Blue Jackets have traded center Antoine Vermette to the Phoenix Coyotes for two draft picks and goaltender Curtis McElhinney.
The deal, announced on Wednesday by Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson, would give Columbus a second-round pick in the 2012 draft and a fifth-round pick in 2013.
The Blue Jackets, with the worst record in the NHL, have been trolling for trade partners for the past few weeks. Rumors have been flying about the club dealing captain Rick Nash or high-priced center Jeff Carter. Instead, the Blue Jackets dealt Vermette, who has eight goals and 19 assists in 60 games this season.
McElhinney’s acquisition could open the door to the team trading goalie Curtis Sanford, a free agent-to-be just activated off injured reserve.
