With plenty of playoff-bound teams in need of a center and the March 2 NHL trade deadline rapidly approaching, Arizona Coyotes center Antoine Vermette has been at the center of trade rumors.
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Vermette's name has popped up a lot in trade rumors this season, but he said Friday that he's been ignoring all the speculation until something actually happens.
"It comes from people around you, and TSN does a good job of keeping me updated," Vermette told TSN. "But I'm not focusing on the rumors. It's just part of the situation. Being from Canada I know how passionate fans are. I get that and I just try and deal with it as best I can."
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Vermette said that he spoke with Arizona general manager Don Maloney, but nothing is certain about his fate prior to the 3 p.m. deadline on March 2.
"We talked about the interest and Don said he would meet with [owner Andrew] Barroway to see if the direction has changed," Vermette said. "He said there was no guarantee he would wait until the deadline, but he also said he didn't see anything happening quick. It was nice and respectful."
According to the report, Vermette, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, has generated interest from several teams, including the Anaheim Ducks, Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens and New York Rangers.
Vermette, 32, said he's fine with whatever Arizona decides to do as the Coyotes are looking for a first-round pick and prospect or young roster player in return.
"I don't want to get ahead of myself," he said. "Plus I like it here and I'm always happy being around the guys."
Vermette is second on the Coyotes with 34 points and 22 assists and third with 12 goals. Vermette has six power play goals and 13 points on the man advantage. He also has a 56.3 percent faceoff percentage and plenty of teams could use a quality man in the circle.
The Coyotes are currently 13th in the Western Conference with 47 points and could be looking to deal Vermette to a postseason contender.
Vermette, a native of Canada, was drafted 55th overall in the second round of the 2000 NHL Draft and has played for the Ottawa Senators, Columbus Blue Jackets and Coyotes.
Vermette has 193 goals, 236 assists and 429 points in 807 career NHL games.
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