Maple Leafs Acquire Lombardi, Franson from Predators

The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced that they have acquired center Matthew Lombardi and defenseman Cody Franson from the Nashville Predators in exchange for defenseman Brett Lebda and left wing Robert Slaney. A fourth round pick in 2013 was also included in the deal, which one of the teams will receive based on how many games Lombardi plays in for the Maple Leafs. Lombardi missed the majority of the 2010-11 season with a concussion and appeared in only two games with the Predators, scoring no points. Franson appeared in 80 games with Nashville last season, scoring eight goals and 21 assists for 29 points. In 41 games last season with the Maple Leafs, Lebda had one goal and three assists for four points. Slaney played in nine games with Toronto of the AHL in 2010-11, scoring one assist. He also appeared in 61 games with Reading of the ECHL, scoring seven goals and 17 assists for 24 points. Provided Lombardi fully recovers from the concussion, this is an excellent trade for the Maple Leafs. He will bring lots of speed, two-way skill, and scoring depth to the forward lines. In Franson, Toronto gets a young defender with plenty of offensive upside and excellent skills on the power play. He will likely see plenty of ice time with the Maple Leafs next season. As for the Predators, this is a salary dumping move, as they have freed up $2.2 million. The financial flexibility will help in their efforts to re-sign defenseman Shea Weber. Lebda brings some mobility and offensive ability to the blueline, but likely won't see much ice-time next season. Slaney will likely spend all of next season in the minors.