Coyotes Deal Jokinen to Calgary For Lombardi, Prust, Pick

[Thrillhouse]

GLENDALE, ARIZONA -- Phoenix Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney announced today that the Coyotes have acquired center Matthew Lombardi, right wing Brandon Prust and a conditional first round draft choice from the Calgary Flames in exchange for center Olli Jokinen and a third round draft choice in the 2009 Entry Draft.

“We are excited to add two young players in Lombardi and Prust to our lineup,” said Maloney. “Lombardi’s speed and scoring touch along with Prust’s physical style should fit our team very well.”

Lombardi, 26, has recorded 9-21-30 and 30 penalty minutes (PIM) in 50 games with the Flames this season. He has also registered two game-winning goals, one shorthanded goal and a +11 rating.

Lombardi, who was selected by Calgary in the 3rd round (90th overall) of the 2002 Entry Draft, has recorded 65-102-167 and 225 PIM in 347 career NHL games with the Flames. He has also appeared in 33 career playoff games, collecting 2-8-10. In 2006-07, Lombardi registered career-highs in goals (20), assists (26) and points (46) while appearing in 81 games. A native of Montreal, Quebec, Lombardi represented Canada at the 2007 World Championships where collected 6-6-12 in nine games while helping to lead the team to the gold medal.

Prior to his NHL career, the 6-foot, 188-pound Lombardi played in 86 career American Hockey League (AHL) games with St. John, Lowell and Omaha, recording 29-23-52. He also spent four seasons with Victoriaville of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) from 1998-2002, collecting 109-148-257 in 250 games. Lombardi was named to the 2002 Memorial Cup All-Star Team.

Prust, 24, has recorded 1-1-2 and 79 PIM in 25 games for Calgary this season. He missed 26 games (Dec. 7 to Feb. 5) due to a broken jaw. In 35 career NHL games, Prust has recorded 1-1-2 and 104 PIM.

A native of London, Ontario, the 6-foot, 190-pound Prust has appeared in 221 career AHL games with Omaha and Quad City, collecting 39-51-90 and 753 PIM. Prust, who was selected in the third round (70th overall) of the 2004 Entry Draft, played in 177 games with London of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) from 2002-05 and registered 41-70-111 and 537 games while helping lead the team to the 2005 Memorial Cup Championship.

Jokinen, 30, has recorded 21-21-42 and 49 PIM in 57 games with the Coyotes this season, his first with the team. In 780 career NHL games with Los Angeles, the New York Islanders, Florida and the Coyotes, the 6-foot-2, 200-pound Jokinen has registered 229-274-503 and 776 PIM. Jokinen was acquired by the Coyotes on June 20, 2008.

[Thrillhouse]

Holllly crap!

[Thornton 19]

Just seen that I wonder who or what would be going to the Yotes?

[HordiBrusk29]

Phoenix definitely won't want to take on too much salary in return but that being said, they'd better not get completely hosed in this deal.

[Gunslinger]

How would a malcontent like Jokinen play for Iron Mike. Were they both in Florida at the same time?

[HordiBrusk29]

Originally Posted by Gunslinger

How would a malcontent like Jokinen play for Iron Mike. Were they both in Florida at the same time?

Apparently Keenan is very fond of Jokinen.

[Thornton 19]

Originally Posted by Gunslinger

How would a malcontent like Jokinen play for Iron Mike. Were they both in Florida at the same time?

Yes and Mike got the best out of him,they have a very good relationship.

[Thrillhouse]

I would think Lombardi would have to be a part of this.

[Gunslinger]

Word is Matthew Lombardi would/could be going the other way.He only has a 1.8 million cap hit.

[HordiBrusk29]

Originally Posted by Thrillhouse

I would think Lombardi would have to be a part of this.

Me too. I'm just wondering if there will be draft picks involved or a couple of Calgary prospects instead.

[Gunslinger]

Wiz is reported to be on the way to Pittsburgh.

[Gunslinger]

Kipper just reported on Sportsnet that Leopold has been traded to Calgary for a 2nd rounder and I think cash(I'm not sure about that)

[FlagsFan]

E.J. Hradek is reporting this as well, basically a done deal from the sounds of it.

[FlagsFan]

E.J. reports the deal is Lombardi and a 1st round pick for Jokinen, but they would have to do something in conjuction to get under the cap.

[chilly666]

hradek just said he thinks its lombardi and a 1st round pick.