Report: Blue Jackets Deal Jeff Carter To Kings

The Columbus Blue Jackets have been working the phones all season on a blockbuster trade, and now it appears they’ve pulled one off: Jeff Carter is headed to the Los Angeles Kings, according to TSN hockey insider Bob McKenzie.

Jeff Carter has been traded to LAK for Jack Johnson and 1st round pick. Pending a medical tomorrow.

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Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 24, 2012

The Blue Jackets, who rank dead last in the NHL with 43 points in 60 games, have been shopping Carter and Rick Nash in advance of Monday’s trade deadline. By dealing Carter to L.A., they’ve unloaded a former All-Star who hasn’t worked out in Columbus.

The Kings gain a valuable scorer for the stretch run. Carter has scored 15 goals with 10 assists this season; his presence might turn the Kings into true contenders in a competitive Western Conference.