Thread: Trade: Torotno / Nahsville

Maple Leafs trade Brett Lebda, Robert Slaney and a 4th in 2013 (if Lombardi plays 60 games over next two seasons) to the Predators for Cody Franson, Matthew Lombardi and a 4th in 2013 (if Lombardi doesn't play 60 games over next two seasons)

Seems very one sided, BP is Franson by far. Preds must be concerned about money for Weber, internal cap and possible issues with their QO-gate.

Leafs make out with the better assets, but Nashville gets some $$$ saved for flexibility going forward.

Lombardi is toast, and it's possible he may not suit up for a game again. His contract is un-insured, and the Preds just can't afford to eat $7M over the next two years for a player that isn't going to play. Franson has a great first pass and a good shot from the blueline, but he's slow, refuses to use his big frame, and has played pretty much sheltered minutes the last couple years. He'll be due a raise next season, and, while he's likely to be a serviceable #4-6, the Preds still have Josi, Ellis, and Laakso all waiting in the wings.

The return is pretty irrelevant from the Preds' perspective, though I have a feeling Lebda might perform better in that system, with those d-men and goalie than he did in Toronto.

Poile has said they are going to be spending more $$$ than last year, so there's something still up his sleeve, just hope it's not for a return of Arnott.

Originally Posted by Iron Duke

Leafs make out with the better assets, but Nashville gets some $$$ saved for flexibility going forward.

Lombardi is toast, and it's possible he may not suit up for a game again. His contract is un-insured, and the Preds just can't afford to eat $7M over the next two years for a player that isn't going to play. Franson has a great first pass and a good shot from the blueline, but he's slow, refuses to use his big frame, and has played pretty much sheltered minutes the last couple years. He'll be due a raise next season, and, while he's likely to be a serviceable #4-6, the Preds still have Josi, Ellis, and Laakso all waiting in the wings.

The return is pretty irrelevant from the Preds' perspective, though I have a feeling Lebda might perform better in that system, with those d-men and goalie than he did in Toronto.

Poile has said they are going to be spending more $$$ than last year, so there's something still up his sleeve, just hope it's not for a return of Arnott.

yeah, when it's all said and done, i imagine Lombardi going on LTIR.

Franson reminds me a lot like our very own beloved Jaroslav Modry.

Originally Posted by gescom

yeah, when it's all said and done, i imagine Lombardi going on LTIR.

Franson reminds me a lot like our very own beloved Jaroslav Modry.

You know, that ain't a bad comparable, and I'm someone who rather liked Modry, even during his whipping boy days. I think Franson's got a bit better of a first pass, but I'm not sure he's as good defensively as Modry was. Despite the names on that Toronto blueline, I think he's far likelier to be exposed with the Leafs, so it will be interesting to see how he performs this season.

Good insight on this trade guys. Thanks. By the way, I still have yonks of Modry rookie cards when he was so highly touted by the Devils. LarRob must have seen something in that kid to just keep giving him chances.

I would bank on Cody Fransson making an impact on Toronto before Lebda makes an impact on Nashville. This is a guy who didn't cut Detroit, or Torontos systems. So....i dunno. Maybe ANOTHER change of scenery will do him good.

But I also think a lot of this has to do with Nashville resigning Weber and their Qualifying offer controversy

Originally Posted by Iron Duke

You know, that ain't a bad comparable, and I'm someone who rather liked Modry, even during his whipping boy days. I think Franson's got a bit better of a first pass, but I'm not sure he's as good defensively as Modry was. Despite the names on that Toronto blueline, I think he's far likelier to be exposed with the Leafs, so it will be interesting to see how he performs this season.

i never understood the tag on Modry... NEVER. i always felt the dude was straight solid. i think he's a push/pull with Franson (type etal) and should definitely have their minutes framed accordingly. Toronto's defensive group is just a little to slow overall to envelop him correctly... it looks like they are going to try to throw a lot of bombs up ice and try to fast break their way into the offensive zone.

they have to run the trap.


Lebda's quickness will help Nashville... and with the Sampson and Olajuwon back there, you're right, he will probably be a lot better... at least more like what we saw with him at times in Detroit.

Originally Posted by Jaygokings!

I would bank on Cody Fransson making an impact on Toronto before Lebda makes an impact on Nashville. This is a guy who didn't cut Detroit, or Torontos systems. So....i dunno. Maybe ANOTHER change of scenery will do him good.

But I also think a lot of this has to do with Nashville resigning Weber and their Qualifying offer controversy

It's not really about Lebda making an impact though, he's just a warm body that can be a #6/#7. Franson is clearly the better d-man.

And I don't think this is a panic move by Poile in terms of the Weber/the RFAs. They are well under the cap floor, and still will be barring a massive overpayment of said RFAs. This just clears more $$ for Suter/Rinne's upcoming contracts and to acquire a couple of players, either on the UFA market, or through other trades.