LEAFS LAND FRANSON & LOMBARDI
The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired center Matthew Lombardi, defenseman Cody Franson and a conditional fourth-round draft pick from the Nashville Predators for defenseman Brett Lebda, forward Robert Slaney and a conditional fourth-round draft pick.
What does it give the Toronto Maple Leafs
This is a great swap for the Maple Leafs on every level except in the financial column. While they're now on the hook for the final two years of Lombardi's contract (which pays him $3.5 million/season), in him they add one of the NHL's fastest pivots. If Lombardi can prove he's past the concussion symptoms that kept him out most of last season, he's a steal here. Meanwhile, Franson may be a gem in this trade; he has a very affordable deal (expiring after the upcoming season) and is quietly one of the NHL's promising power-play rearguards. He could play a key role for Toronto in 2011-12.
What does it give the Nashville Predators
As one of the NHL's small-market teams, the Preds are always concerned with payroll (even more now that they have to re-sign superstar Shea Weber). So moving Lombardi's salary will help them with financial flexibility. Neither Lebda nor Slaney is likely to ever help Nashville much in '11-12. Either the Preds or the Leafs will also get a fourth rounder in this trade--depending on the number of games Lombardi appears in.
Fantasy impact
