Wed, Feb 22, 2012 at 1:11pm

COYOTES LAND VERMETTE

The Phoenix Coyotes acquired forward Antoine Vermette from the Columbus Blue Jackets for goaltender Curtis McElhinney, a second-round draft pick in 2012 and a conditional fifth-round draft pick in 2013.

What does it give the Phoenix Coyotes
In Vermette, the Coyotes land a versatile two-way forward who should fit in with Phoenix like a glove under coach Dave Tippett. He hasn't produced enough offensively recently, but his style of play suits the 'Yotes perfectly. He's under contract for the next three seasons, which is also perfect because GM Don Maloney and Tippett prefer to go with proven veterans whenever possible. Vermette should help with their playoff push.

What does it give the Columbus Blue Jackets
Columbus was simply stuck with too many players under contract for too long, so selling off a few is the right thing to do. Vermette is the first, but expect more to come. They received a second rounder in return, originally belonging to Ottawa, as well as a fifth rounder in '13 (which becomes a fourth rounder if the Coyotes win a playoff round this spring). Lastly, they add a little goaltending depth in McElhinney, who is anything but a long-term solution.

Fantasy impact