The Columbus Blue Jackets have started their overhaul.
Expected to be one of the busiest teams at the NHL trade deadline, the Jackets got things going by trading center Antoine Vermette to the Phoenix Coyotes for a pair of draft picks and goalie Curtis McElhinney. ESPN.com’s Pierre LeBrun reports that Columbus will receive a 2012 second rounder (originally belonging to Ottawa) and a fifth-round pick in 2013. The deal was first reported by TSN’s Bob McKenzie.
Vermette, 29, was considered to be among potential options for the Bruins as the deadline nears. In 60 games this season, Vermette has 8-19-27 totals.
He’ll have three years left on his contract following this season with an annual $3.75 million cap hit.
