Antoine Vermette is headed to the desert, after the Phoenix Coyotes acquired the veteran forward from the Columbus Blue Jackets on Wednesday.

The Blue Jackets receive a second-round draft choice in the 2012 NHL entry draft, a fifth-round draft choice in the 2013 draft and goaltender Curtis McElhinney in exchange for Vermette.

“We are extremely pleased to acquire Antoine,” Coyotes GM Don Maloney said. “He is a smart, skilled, two-way centre who will be a great addition to our lineup.”

Vermette, 29, has eight goals and 19 assists in 60 games this season. In 600 NHL games with Columbus and the Ottawa Senators he has 141 goals and 178 assists.