The Los Angeles Kings announced tonight that they have acquired center Jeff Carter from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for defenseman Jack Johnson and a conditional first round draft pick.

If the Kings make the playoff this year, the Blue Jackets will receive the pick in 2012; otherwise, it will be in 2013.

According to TSN, the deal is conditional on Carter passing a physical — which is said to be a formality, as both clubs have already announced the deal in separate press releases.

Los Angeles’ Perspective

Kings general manager Dean Lombardi — whose job may be on the line if his club doesn’t make the playoffs — has been desperately looking to acquire a goal-scoring forward to bolster his club’s offense appears to have settled on the former Philadelphia Flyer.

Jeff is a proven goal scorer in our league. He brings goal-scoring abilities, speed and at his age he is entering the prime of his career. We also like his versatility as he can play both center and wing.

Carter — who is in the first year of an 11-year, $58 million contract — says he’s excited to join former Flyers teammate Mike Richards in Los Angeles.

I am obviously excited. I am familiar with the team and a lot of guys on the team. I looked at the Kings at the start of the year as being a club in a good position to win. I look forward to coming to L.A. and being a part of it all.

Carter has 15 goals and 10 assists in 39 games with the Blue Jackets this season.

Columbus’ Perspective

Meanwhile, Lombardi’s counterpart in Columbus Scott Howson said in a press release that he is thrilled with picking up Johnson — even though he gave up Jakub Voracek, a first-round draft pick and third-round draft pick to pick up Carter in the first place.

Jack is a talented young defenseman who will strengthen our defense corps and we are very excited to add him to our organization. We are committed to re-shaping our club and moving forward. Adding a player like Jack and a first round pick are important parts of that process.

The Blue Jackets find themselves in rebuild mode after a disastrous season, so their ammo with this trade was to get younger. Howson said that this is an important step in that process.

Johnson is in the first year of a seven-year, $30.5 million contract. In 61 games this season, Johnson has scored eight goals and added 16 assists for 24 points.

The 25-year-old blueliner told SportsNet that he had a feeling he would be moved and says he’s excited about the opportunities awaiting him in Columbus where he will be a key member of their blueline.