NHL Trade Deadline Rumors: Jeff Carter May Be Traded To Los Angeles Kings

The Kings and Blue Jackets may be nearing a deal that would send center Jeff Carter to Los Angeles in exchange for Jack Johnson and a first-round draft pick. The trade has not been completed, but is at the "heavy rumor" stage and may be imminent, according to a report on Thursday night.

For the details, here's a string of tweets from Helene Elliott of the Los Angeles Times:

Things seem to have accelerated w/Kings-CBJ Carter trade--last 2 losses probably contributed. Could come together tonight. Johnson to go

— Helene Elliott (@helenenothelen) February 23, 2012

to CBJs. Probably a first-round pick as well. Had been told CBJ wanted another player. not sure where that stands

— Helene Elliott (@helenenothelen) February 23, 2012

looking like Johnson and a first-rounder for Carter but nothing officially announced yet

— Helene Elliott (@helenenothelen) February 23, 2012

Carter had been on the market with the trade deadline approaching, but talks appear to have heated up as teams try to wheel and deal before the window closes. The price for Carter is a stiff one, however, if the rumored return is as Elliot suggests.

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