Matthew Lombardi

Matthew Lombardi (born March 18, 1982) is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Playing career
Matthew Lombardi was born and raised in Montreal. He played hockey for the LaPresqu'ile minor hockey association before playing junior hockey for the Victoriaville Tigres in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) for four years before. Lombardi was selected in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft 215th overall by the Edmonton Oilers. Lombardi failed to sign with the Oilers, re-entering the draft where he was picked 90th overall by the Calgary Flames in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. His style of play is one of speed and agility, often leading the rush with his great speed and finesse.

Lombardi played in the 2004 Stanley Cup Playoffs, during which he suffered a vicious elbow to the head from Red Wings defenceman Derian Hatcher and was unable to play for several months. The Flames eventually lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game Seven of the Stanley Cup Finals. During the locked-out 2004–05 season, he played for the Flames affiliate Lowell Lock Monsters in the American Hockey League (AHL), after he recovered fully from the elbow, returning to the NHL and the Flames when the league resumed play in 2005–06.

He was a member of the 2007 Canadian IIHF World Championship team that won gold in a 4–2 win against Finland in Moscow. During the tournament he scored six goals and had six assists for 12 points, and led the Canada for most points.

On March 4, 2009, he was traded along with Brandon Prust and a 1st round draft pick to the Phoenix Coyotes for Olli Jokinen.

On February 8, 2010, he recorded a five point night in a 6-1 win over the Edmonton Oilers.

On July 2, 2010 he signed a 4 year contract with the Nashville Predators. In the first year of the contract Lombardi played only two games, due to a concussion suffered during the pre-season.

On July 3, 2011, he was traded along with Cody Franson to the Toronto Maple Leafs for Brett Lebda and Robert Slaney.

On October 6, 2011, he played in his first game as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs, scoring the game winning goal against the Montreal Canadiens.