The Columbus Blue Jackets took a small step towards solidifying their status as a playoff team in the Western Conference by acquiring Antoine Vermette from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for goaltender Pascal Leclaire and a second round pick, as reported by TSN.Vermette has always been filled with potential and talent, but he's never really put it all together on the ice. He's averaged 20 goals the past three seasons, but has only scored nine in 62 games this season.
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He's extremely fast and a tremendous faceoff man (winning over 56 percent of his draws this season) and is likely to play on Columbus' top line with Rick Nash. It's not quite Olli Jokinen or Nik Antropov, but it's something. As for Leclaire going to Ottawa, he's a former first round pick (eighth overall) and was effective as Columbus' No. 1 goalie a season ago, posting a .919 save percentage and recording nine shutouts. He lost his starting job to Steve Mason (and injuries) this season. In 12 starts, he's 4-6-1 with a 3.83 goals against average and a .867 save percentage.
With Mason emerging as the starter in Columbus, Leclaire was expendable, and he'll likely compete for playing time in Ottawa with 23-year-old rookie Brian Elliot.
