Matthew Lombardi traded

Leafs trade Matthew Lombardi to Phoenix for conditional 3rd or 4th round pick

The draft pick is a fourth rounder in 2014, which could become a third if Lombardi re-signs in Phoenix or records a certain number of points with the Coyotes this season.

Obviously, this is better than using the amnesty buy out because a) the Leafs get a pick, and b) retain both of those buyout options for the summer period should they want to exercise them. The Leafs will pay his $500,000 bonus and retain some of his base salary in order to off load the cap hit. [more…]