Retaining $500,000 in cap hit and getting virtually nothing in return for Matthew Lombardi isn't what we always dreamed of, but it's an understandable situation. OK, a 4th round pick isn't nothing, but in this case, getting anything is something. Lombardi was an extra body at an already-crowded Centre position, and wasn't likely to produce much (if any) better than a younger player like Matt Frattin. Oh, and they've cleared some cap space in the meantime... which means that they've cleared the deck for a Robero Luongo deal.

Leafs trade Lombardi to Coyotes for conditional pick
Story from TSN.

Leafs ship Matthew Lombardi to Coyotes
Article from Cam Charron.

Crease quandary in Toronto as Reimer and Scrivens try to prove they belong
If they are the Leafs' starting goalies on Saturday, hold on to your hats. From James Mirtle.

Randy Carlyle's effect on goalies
This isn't really necessarily Randy Carlyle's influence, but it's nice to know his other teams' goalies haven't been bad. From Cam Charron.

Ron Wilson's effect on goalies
And the second instalment.

‘Tis a shame we only get 48 games: this year’s rookie class is stacked
Man, I really want Morgan Rielly to stay in junior. From JB at BHS.

An Elegy for Brian Burke
Pretty good stuff from Ellen Etchingham.

Backhand Shelf Podcast: NHL fan promotions
From JB at BHS.

Teemu Selanne! … Plus Nine Other Dudes to Watch This NHL Season
The latest from DGB at Grantland.

Nazem Kadri looking prove the doubters wrong
Kyle Cicerella has a few good quotes from a Kadri full of confidence.

NHL 2013 Preview: Northeast Division
From Greg Wyshynski at PD.

Travis Zajac signs 8-year deal with Devils
Harrison Mooney has his take.

15 observations around Leaf camp—with Montreal only hours away
Michael Langlois has some thoughts.

What Can We Expect From The Leafs' Players This Year?
The Silver Fox has a few thoughts on three players.

From The Branches