COYOTES RE-ACQUIRE SPEEDY LOMBARDI
The Phoenix Coyotes acquired forward Matthew Lombardi from the Toronto Maple Leafs for a conditional fourth-round draft-pick in 2014.
What does it give the Phoenix Coyotes
The Coyotes needed more offensive punch, so they hope getting Lombardi back can help. He'll probably play center for Phoenix, though he can also fill a role on the wing. He's defensively responsible and very speedy, so he should be a good fit with coach Dave Tippett's system. The Coyotes didn't give up much here for a player buried on Toronto's depth chart.
What does it give the Toronto Maple Leafs
There simply was no room for Lombardi on the Leafs any longer, so new GM Dave Nonis did well to get a conditional draft pick for him. This alleviates a bit of the clutter up front in Toronto, though there is more work to be done still. Youngster Nazem Kadri and agitator Leo Komarov should be among the biggest beneficiaries of Lombardi's departure.
Fantasy impact
Lombardi wasn't going to play a prominent role in Toronto this season, so this move back to Phoenix should give his fantasy value a solid boost. He's not a great point producer, though, and the Coyotes aren't an offensive juggernaut. Therefore, do not overrate this move.
Player focus
Toronto Maple Leafs
a conditional fourth-round draft pick in 2014