Maple Leafs Acquire Lashoff from Lightning for Berry, Giliati

The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced that they have acquired defenseman Matt Lashoff from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for right wing Alex Berry and left wing Stefano Giliati. In five games last season with the Lightning, Lashoff had no points and 21 penalty minutes. He also appeared in 68 games with Norfolk of the AHL, scoring eight goals and 16 assists for 24 points and 105 penalty minutes. In 55 games last season with the Toronto Marlies of the AHL, Berry had three goals and four assists for seven points and 97 penalty minutes. He also played in five games with Reading of the ECHL, scoring five assists. Giliati appeared in 25 games with the Marlies, scoring three goals and six assists for nine points and also played in 46 games with Reading, scoring 23 goals and 32 assists for 55 points and 76 penalty minutes. This is really just a depth move for both teams, as all three players will likely spend all of next season in the minors. Lashoff brings some offensive skill and toughness to the blueline for the Maple Leafs' organization, while Berry and Giliati bring some future offensive depth and toughness to the forward lines for the Lightning.