Vermette Traded to Coyotes

The Columbus Blue Jackets have traded away Forward Antoine Vermette to the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for Curtis McElhinney, a 2nd round pick (2012, acquired from Ottawa in the Turris deal), & a 5th round pick conditional (2013). The condition is that if the Phenoix Coyotes get past the first round of the playoffs, it turns in to a 4th round pick.

Winners:
Wexler: I'm gonna say Phoenix wins this one because they brought in a top 6 forward for the price of almost nothing. Vermette will help the surging Coyotes to a higher position in the West and during the playoffs. The only advantage for the Blue Jackets is that they got a 2nd round pick but that pick will not be too significant down the stretch for them.

Kyle: Phoenix because Vermette will add secondary scoring to Phoenix's offence. McElhinney won't ever be a starting NHL goaltender unless he starts playing better. The second and fifth round picks will be around the median of the NHL. I think Columbus will deal those picks for a veteran forward/goaltender for next season.

Mahbod: In my opinion, Phoenix came out on top. Vermette is a sure 19+ goal scorer. Like Alson said, McEllhinney will just fit in with the Blue Jackets mid-tier goalies like Sanford, Dekanich and York. The 2nd and 5th round picks are good for Columbus in their rebuild stage because they can use them to wheel and deal some nice players. Again, I rather have Vermette over a third string goalie and draft picks.

Alson: This is a close one but I gotta go with Phoenix. Vermette is a proven scorer and McElhinney will just add on to the number of average goalies that the Columbus Blue Jackets have in their system (Curtis Sanford).