COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Philadelphia Flyers have traded top goal-scorer Jeff Carter to the Columbus Blue Jackets for forward Jake Voracek and the club's first and third-round picks.
Carter's agent, Rick Curran, confirmed the deal on Thursday afternoon. He said he was stunned by the news after being told last week that the Flyers were not discussing trading Carter to the Blue Jackets.
Carter led the Flyers in goals each of the past two seasons. He is under a long-term contract.
His presence finally gives the Blue Jackets a top-line center to pair with their best player, Rick Nash.
Voracek, a first-round pick in the 2007 draft, had 14 goals and 32 assists a year ago. The move should clear enough salary cap space so that the Flyers can sign goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov.