Brian Burke basically wrote today's FTB for me. The Maple Leafs acquired Matt Lashoff, the #22 overall pick in the 2005 NHL draft, from the Tamp Bay Lightning for Alex Berry and Stefano Giliati. Obviously, this is a minor deal. Lashoff has spent the majority of his four-year pro career in the AHL, including two and a half seasons in Providence and a season in Norfolk. Berry was drafted 153rd overall in 2005 by the Leafs. He played four seasons at UMass in the NCAA before joining the Marlies last year. In 55 games, Berry recorded 7 points. Giliati was signed as a free agent in 2008 by the Leafs after an 87 point season with Lewiston of the QMJHL. He spent 2008-09 with the Marlies and split time between Reading and Toronto (AHL) last year. Burke moved two borderline AHLers for a solid AHL defenseman. And he cut a contract off the Leafs reserve list at the same time. Not a bad move. I'm not predicting anything, but this does open the door for Burke to sign another player.
Stats for the newest Leaf and your links after the jump.
| YEAR | TEAM | GP | G | A | P | +/- | PIM | PPG | SHG | GWG | GTG | SOG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Bruins | 12 | 0 | 2 | 2 | -6 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| 2007 | Bruins | 18 | 1 | 4 | 5 | -2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11 |
| 2008 | Lightning | 12 | 0 | 7 | 7 | -7 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 |
| 2008 | Bruins | 16 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| 2009 | Lightning | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -2 | 21 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Saturday links:
Well Played Burke. Well Played.
YM's take on the Lashoff deal.
Youngblood Re-release trailer.
Uh....HELL YES.
What if the Leafs signed Kovalchuk?
Curt looks at the what could have been...
The Kovalchuk Saga: Is it finally over?
In Lou looks at the report of the NHL approving the latest Kovalchuk deal.
12 Burning Questions: Will Ron Wilson finish the season as coach?
MLHS examines the coach and his future.
Goal-starved Leafs Make Deal for another Defenseman
Goal-starved eh? Sounds familiar. Stir-up with a good look at the ever expanding AHL blue-line.
Matt Lashoff Traded to the Maple Leafs
Raw Charge examines yesterday's trade.
Spinner, Carlyle, Baun, Leeman & more
New updates from Vintage Leafs
...Remembering Real Canadian Sports Writing Giants
Vintage Leaf Memories with their own special take on the Blogger v MSM case.
Missed your post? Throw it in the comments.
