The Leafs essentially give up nothing as they swap Brett Lebda, Robert Slaney and a conditional 4th round pick to Nashville in exchange for Matthew Lombardi and Cody Franson.
Lombardi was limited to 2 games last season because of a severe concussion. When healthy, Lombardi has some of the best wheels in the NHL along with decent hands, vision and an eye for goal. His most successful year was with Phoenix when he posted 19 goals and 53 points in 78 games (just before his pre season concussion last year). Lombardi has 2 more years left on his contract worth about $3.5 million a year.
Franson is the real steal in this deal. With Franson the Leafs acquired a 23 year old with the potential to play in a top 4 pairing this season. Franson is one of 9 NHL defencemen who have posted at least 20 points with a double digit plus minus in each of the last two seasons. He posted 8 goals and 29 points in his first full NHL season last year (Franson and Liles should work well together on the PP).
Another good low risk deal by Burke, with the potential for some really good upside...
