Maple Leafs STEAL From The Predators

To Toronto:
Cody Franson
Matthew Lombardi
Conditional 4th Round Pick In 2013 (If Lombardi doesn't play 60 games over next 2 years)

To Nashville:
Brett Lebda
Robert Slaney
Conditional 4th Round Pick In 2013 (if Lombardi plays 60 games over next 2 years)



Review:
This deal is one of the most lopsided I have seen in a long, long time. The Leafs get a very solid, young defenseman in Cody Franson who at 23 years old, in his first full NHL season, put up 29 points. He has some nice size and is very impressive on the power play. I look at him as a solid power play quarter-back that might grow into an all-around type role. I really like his potential and I'm VERY surprised the Predators gave him up for that type of return. Not only did they move him, but they also gave up Matthew Lombardi. Lombardi has had some serious injury problems, but when he is healthy he's a very good player. At 29 years old, he has been consistent 40 point guy year in-and-year out. His offensive play is just one minor aspect of his game, as his true calling is his two-way, defensive style. He is an incredible penalty killer and he uses his speed to get back to his own zone quickly. They got these two guys for legit nothing, as Brett Lebda is one of the worst defensemen in the National Hockey League, at least in my opinion, and Robert Slanely is a guy that spent most of last season in the ECHL and wasn't necessarily good down there. This has to be one of the weirdest trades I have ever seen, and I feel like its one of the most lopsided moves of this off-season. The Leafs get two quality players (one may have injury struggles, but still) for guys they would have just as well released.


Winner: Leafs without a doubt, they STOLE from the Preds. I love this deal for them.