Phoenix Acquires Antoine Vermette From Columbus

The Columbus Blue Jackets have started their selling and trading process prior to the deadline, sending forward Antoine Vermette to the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for two draft picks, according to TSN’s Bob McKenzie. Columbus gets a 2012 2nd-round pick (Ottawa’s), and a conditional 2013 5th-round pick (it becomes a 4th-round pick if Phoenix wins a playoff round this year) along with goalie Curtis McElhinney.

The 29-year-old center has eight goals and 27 points in 60 games and scored 27 goals as recently as the 2009-2010 season. Phoenix is tied with San Jose for the Pacific Division lead and SOS NHL analyst Daniel Friedman says that “Phoenix gets some much-needed depth down the middle and the Jackets open up a roster spot. An intriguing move.”

This will be the first of likely several trades for the Blue Jackets prior to Monday’s trade deadline. Will Rick Nash or Jeff Carter be next?