Around the NHL: Franson, Santorelli to Nashville, Montador

Getting a jump on the NHL trade deadline, the Nashville Predators have acquired Cody Franson and Mike Santorelli from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Nashville sent veteran forward Olli Jokinen, prospect Brendan Leipsic, and a 2015 first round pick to the Leafs.

Franson had six goals and 26 assists for 32 points in 55 games for Toronto this season. He is also averaging over 21 minutes of ice time per game in all situations. Santorelli had 11 goals and 18 assists for 29 points in 57 games for the Leafs. He is a versitile forward who can play up and down the lineup as well as all three forward positions.

Nashville general manager David Poile stated he wanted to acquire players like these two in order help them make a run a run at the Stanley Cup. He also stated he was glad to be able to make this trade early as to give the new players extra time to develop some chemistry with the current roster.

Nashville currently sits atop the NHL standings with 82 points, five points clear of Anaheim and six points ahead of east leading Montreal.

Montador

Former NHL defenseman Steve Montador was found dead early Sunday morning in his home in Canada. Montador played 10 seasons in the league for Calgary, Florida, Anaheim, Boston, Buffalo and lastly Chicago. He last suited in up in the 2011-12 season with the Blackhawks. 

He amassed 33 goals and 98 assists in 571 career games. He added an additional 807 penalty minutes as well. He was a hard worker, and from past teammates have stated a great guy both in the locker room and away from the rink.

Early reports were that foul play is not suspected. Montador was just 35 years old.

Current Playoff Matchups

A few months ago we took a look at what the playoff match ups would be if the postseason started that day. Today we will once again take a look at what the current match ups would be.

Eastern Conference

A1 Montreal vs WC2 Boston

A2 Tampa Bay vs A3 Detroit

M1 New York Islanders vs WC1 Washington

M2 Pittsburgh vs M3 New York Rangers

Western Conference

C1 Nashville vs WC2 Calgary

C2 St. Louis vs C3 Chicago

P1 Anaheim vs WC1 Winnipeg

P2 San Jose vs P3 Vancouver

League Leaders through 2/15/15

Goals – Ovechkin (36)

Assists – Backstrom (43)

Points – Kane (63)

Plu/Minus – Three players tied (+27)

Wins – Rinne (33)

Bill Minchin is a contributing writer for Flyerdelphia. Follow Bill on Twitter @wtfd103074