As a Preds fan, you obviously got the better end of this deal.  Don't let anyone sell you short on Franson either.  He has great poise with the puck, a top notch playoff beard, a wicked-quick drag and release from the point, and is excellent with his stick in all three zones.  Some people would like to see a guy his size play more physical but he is good enough on the puck that he doesn't have to take the body as often.  Above all, he is on the way up, not out.  The guy has the skill to be top 4 right away.  His skating isn't bad either, he is just a big dude and doesn't move like a 5'8 175 lb winger.  The guy is definitely not roaming around out there (see Brett Lebda).  He is great on the power play but, not exactly a specialist.  It's funny, but if I had to compare him to another player, it might well be John-Michael Liles, though I think Cody has more upside.

It's nice for us to have enough guys in our system that we can make a move like this but I hate to see him go, especially just as a way to dump Lombardi's salary.  Luckily, the Leafs can afford the move.  Unfortunately, I personally doubt Lombardi will ever play again, certainly not at a high level, but that probably isn't news to any of you.  Even with Franson gone, Lebda is probably 6 or 7 on our depth chart and at risk during camp (assuming he even stays part of the club that long).

I am hoping the whole thing turns out to be the catalyst that spawns long term contracts for Suter, Weber, and Rinne.  We'll see.

In the meantime, enjoy your new additions and for for the love of Dickie Duff, could you guys try to stay on the right side of .500 out of the gate this year?  If you are not careful, the rest of Canada is going to start calling you guys the Laffs or something.