Maple Leafs Re-Sign Matt Lashoff

The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced that they have re-signed defenseman Matt Lashoff to a one-year contract. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. In 11 games last season with the Maple Leafs, he had one assist. He also appeared in 69 games with the Toronto Marlies of the AHL, scoring seven goals and 21 assists for 28 points and 137 penalty minutes. Not a bad depth signing for the Maple Leafs, as Lashoff brings plenty of mobility to the blueline, as well as some offensive upside and grit. More than likely, he will spend much of next season in the minors and will probably only see NHL action as an injury replacement.

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.

Bruins Acquire Veteran Forward Recchi from Lightning

The Boston Bruins added some veteran depth to their lineup on Wednesday by acquiring right wing Mark Recchi and a second round draft pick in 2010 from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for defenseman Matt Lashoff and right wing Martins Karsums. Rumors began to swirl in the last week that Recchi could be on the move by the deadline, while the Bruins had been seeking a depth winger for a playoff run. In 62 games this season, Recchi has 13 goals and 32 assists for 45 points and recently passed Bryan Trottier for 14th all-time on the NHL scoring list. Lashoff has one assist in 16 games, while Karsums has one assist in six games. Recchi adds lots of veteran depth, offensive experience, and Stanley Cup experience to the Bruins. Lashoff gives the Lightning a tough, offensive blueliner to their rebuilding defense, while Karsums gives them a winger with plenty of offensive promise.