Toronto Maple Leafs and Nashville Predators make a four-way trade -2011 NHL Free Agency Update
Toronto Maple Leafs traded defenseman, Brett Lebda, and forward, Robert Slaney, to Nashville Predators for defenseman, Cody Franson, and forward, Matthew Lombardi, on Sunday, day-three of the 2011 National Hockey League's (NHL) free agency.
In addition, there is a condition on Lombardi's playing.
If he is able to play more than 60 games over the next two seasons, Nashville will receive Maple Leafs' fourth-round pick for next year’s entry draft. If not, Toronto acquires Predators' pick for 2013.
Lombardi, one of the league’s most valuable centres, played only two regular season games last year in October due to concussion related problems that lasted throughout. Toronto is hopeful of his quick return but is prepared otherwise.
“For us, it’s worth the risk, especially with Cody Franson in the deal”, Toronto's senior VP, David Nonis, said. “He has size, he has strength, he has a good shot. There is a real offensive upside here. He scored eight goals getting second-unit power-play
minutes behind Shea Weber”.
Adding Cody Franson to the line-up, Toronto hopes of making a big impact on its defensive end.
The 23-year-old has played two seasons with Nashville Predators after being drafted in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft as the 79th overall pick. He registered 29 points, 8 goals and 21 assists, last season in 80 games.
"I'm real excited about the opportunity to go in there and try to play a big role on that team", British Columbian native, Franson said. "I want to go in there and really try and help produce".
Brett Lebda, the 29-year-old from Buffalo Grove, Illinois, was ready to enter his second year with Toronto, after playing with Detroit Red Wings for the previous five seasons.
The 5-foot-9 defenseman was having a tough time finding his game with Toronto, only registering four points, 1 goal and 3 assists, last season in 41 games.
Robert Slaney, on the other hand, has yet to play a game in the NHL but continues to play with minor league teams.
Last season, he continued to play with Reading Royals of the East Coast Hockey League in which he participated in 22 games for 11 points, 1 goal and 10 assists.
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