Predators Acquire Hall Gill from Canadiens for Geoffrion, Slaney

The Nashville Predators have announced that they have acquired defenseman Hal Gill and a conditional fifth round pick in the 2013 Entry Draft from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for center Blake Geoffrion, left wing Robert Slaney, and Nashville's second round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft. The fifth round pick will go to the Predators if Geoffrion appears in at least 40 NHL games next season, which could be likely. Gill, who will be eligible for unrestricted free agency this summer, has one goal and seven assists for eight points and 29 penalty minutes in 53 games with the Canadiens. Geoffrion appeared in 22 games with the Predators, recording three assists. He also played in 20 games with Milwaukee of the AHL, scoring two goals and seven assists for nine points. Slaney appeared in nine games with Milwaukee, scoring one assist. He also played in 31 games with Cincinnati of the ECHL, scoring 11 goals and seven assists for 18 points. He has yet to appear in an NHL game. Geoffrion and Slaney will both be eligible for restricted free agency on July 1. Gill really solidifies Nashville's blueline with his huge frame, shutdown skills, gritty performance, and skill on the penalty kill. However, the cost to land him was pretty steep, especially for a player who could potentially depart via free agency this summer. However, his presence on the blueline will be extremely valuable as Nashville inches closer to the playoffs. The assets the Canadiens landed in the move will definitely help in their rebuilding efforts. Geoffrion, the grandson of Canadiens' hall-of-famer Bernie "Boom Boom" Geoffrion, is a hard worker on the ice with lots of versatility and upside who could see a full time spot on Montreal's roster next season. Slaney will likely remain in the minors for the remainder of the season. It still remains to be seen how he may fit into Montreal's future plans, so it will likely be known this summer if he receives a qualifying offer from the team or not.

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.