GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Antoine Vermette isn't shirking his professional duties. He knows he gets paid to generate offense in a Coyotes lineup increasingly bereft of point producers, and the center knows he hasn't produced of late.
"It's part of my job," said Vermette, who has three goals, 10 points and a minus-10 rating in 22 games since New Year's Day. "I've definitely been struggling for a little bit here."
There's a reality to consider, however. Vermette is on the trade block and has been for the better part of two months. As an unrestricted free agent who will command a hefty price this offseason, Vermette probably is the Coyotes' greatest trade-deadline asset when looking to build the toward the future, unless GM Don Maloney chooses to move defenseman Keith Yandle.
"He knows the situation he's in -- everybody knows the situation he's in," Coyotes coach Dave Tippett said. "He's got a family at home, wondering what his future holds. He's got a lot on his mind."
Vermette understands Saturday's 4-2 loss to Tampa Bay may have been his and several other veterans' last game at Gila River Arena. The Coyotes leave Sunday on a four-game road trip against New Jersey, the New York Islanders, the New York Rangers and Boston. They will not play at home again until March 3 -- one day after the NHL's trade deadline passes.
"It has crossed my mind for sure," Vermette said with apparent regret in his voice. "I wish it was not the case but I don't want to get ahead of myself."
Coyotes GM Don Maloney hasn't made a move since the Devan Dubnyk trade in January. The offers for Vermette and other potential assets have not been attractive enough. Maloney also has not ruled out the possibility of Vermette returning, but that is highly unlikely given reports Vermette is looking to cash in on a $5 million to $6 million per season, multi-year deal.
Vermette could be joined by other UFAs-to-be Zbynek Michalek (currently injured), Martin Erat, David Moss, as well as any veteran that bring the team valuable assets.
Vermette was acquired from Columbus in February 2012 for a 2012 second-round draft pick (acquired by the Coyotes from the Ottawa Senators in the Kyle Turris trade); a conditional fifth-round pick in 2013; plus minor league goalie Curtis McElhinney. He has been a popular player, both with fans and with teammates, but he understands the business side of the sport can alter relationships in a heartbeat.
He admits it's hard to block out such a major and longstanding distraction. Whether he's feeling genuine remorse at the possibility of leaving, or just wondering where he might end up this month and next season, it's a lot to process.
"It's an unreal situation, a very strange one, but you've got to try to manage it as good as you can," he said. "I try not to think about it; try to control what I can. I know that's a cliche but it's true. There's nothing I can do about it."
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