Blue Jakcets Acquire Vermette from Senators for Leclaire

The first trade on deadline day is a notable one. The Columbus Blue Jackets announced that they have acquired left wing Antoine Vermette from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for goaltender Pascal Leclaire and a second round draft pick. Vermette has struggled this season, scoring nine goals and 19 assists for 28 points in 62 games. Leclaire has been limited to 12 games this season because of injuries. He has a 4-6-1 record with a GAA of 3.83 and a save percentage of .867. This deal has been in the rumor mill for the past few days. Vermette gives the Blue Jackets a quick forward with good offensive skills, especially on the power play, who has the potential to score 20 goals. Leclaire gives the Senators a capable starting goaltender who could help turn the team around defensively. However, he will miss the rest of the season with an ankle injury, so he won't be able to help out the Senators until next season when they will look to rebound from a rough 2008-09 season.