the toronto heist….
David Poile was seen looking for his wallet today,when Brian Burke approached him to return it. Poile expressed his gratitude to Burke but when he opened it later he found it empty…..the leafs acquired Matthew Lombardi and Cody Franson from the Preds today for Brett Lebda and Robert Slaney and A conditional 4th round pick..In another head scratcher, Brian burke and dave nonis completely ripped off the Nashville Predators in acquiring Matthew Lombardi and Cody Franson for Brett Lebda and Robert Slaney today.Thus shoring up their defence and possibly getting a set-up centre (if healthy).
Cody Fransons’ career stats 141g 14g 36a 50p +25 @ 23 he is still young enough to place in the AHL or utilize on the young Leaf blueline with Schenn on Gunnarson….he becomes a free agent at the end of next season.
Matthew Lombardi: 29 years old played 2 games last season out with concussion after hit from Dave Bolland did not return…..if healthy Lombardi gives Leafs a explosively quick and agile skater that can set up plays while potting goals himself. Also Matt`s from Montreal so he understands what it`s like to play for an iconic franchise. His last full season he played 78 games and had 53 points and if he can come back he may be able to reproduce this.
The Preds will use this shedding of salary to help re-sign Shea Weber and free up cap space.
With the low risk-high reward possiblity of this trade (Brett Lebda and Robert Slaney were the pieces exchanged with this deal) I cannot see the leafs losing out on this one…..even if due to the logjam on the back end it still allows a possible trade to acquire something else they might need.