Coyotes obtain Vermette from Jackets

Hockey Betting Lines

02/22/2012 - Glendale, AZ (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Phoenix Coyotes on Wednesday acquired center Antoine Vermette from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for a pair of draft picks and goaltender Curtis McElhinney.

A three-time 20-goal scorer, Vermette has another three years remaining on a contract that pays him $3.75 million annually.

"We are extremely pleased to acquire Antoine," Coyotes general manager Don Maloney said. "He is a smart, skilled, two-way center who will be a great addition to our lineup."

This season, the 29-year-old Quebec native has registered eight goals and 27 points in 60 games.

Selected by Ottawa in the second round (55th overall) of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft, Vermette has totaled 141 goals and 178 assists in 600 career games with the Senators and Blue Jackets.

Columbus obtained a 2012 second-round pick and a fifth-rounder in 2013 in the deal. The latter pick will become a fourth-rounder if Phoenix qualifies for the playoffs and advances to the second round.

McElhinney, 28, has compiled a 19-26-4 record with a 3.10 goals-against average and a .899 save percentage in 69 career NHL games -- 44 starts -- with Calgary, Anaheim, Ottawa and Phoenix. He saw action in two games with the Coyotes this season and is currently recovering from abdominal surgery.

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Marlins could start season without No. 2 starter Johnson

JUPITER, Fla. -- The Foorida Marlins are preparing for the likelihood that right-hander
Josh Johnson won't be ready when the season starts April 2.

Grapefruit League action starts Wednesday, but Johnson, penciled in as the No. 2 starter, hasn't even thrown off a mound at full speed since September. He's experienced some soreness in his right forearm.

MySportsbook.com have the Marlins listed with baseball betting lines at +800 to win the NL East this season .

''You guys know the math. If he's not on the hill then he becomes an opening day roster issue,'' manager Fredi Gonzalez said Saturday. ''We're borderline now.''

Johnson, who finished 12-7 with a 3.10 ERA in 2007, was supposed to throw on flat ground Saturday. That was canceled when he woke up with pain.

He played catch on Wednesday with no pain but felt discomfort in a throwing session on Thursday. He's expected to try again Sunday.

''Like we always said from the very beginning, we're going to take it easy on him,'' Gonzalez said. ''He didn't feel right, so we shut him down. We're going to take it back to step one and see where we're at.''

Among the candidates to take Johnson's spot in the rotation are left-hander Chris George and right-handers Yusmeiro Petit and Jose Garcia.

Right-hander Sergio Mitre, who missed most of last season with arm and shoulder problems, also is behind.

With Johnson's status doubtful, Gonzalez said right-hander Ricky Nolasco will stay in the rotation and no longer will be considered a candidate for closer.

Additional basbeall odds can be found at: www.MySportsbook.com

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