The Phoenix Coyotes re-acquired Matthew Lombardi on Wednesday, sending a fourth-round pick to the Toronto Maple Leafs, according to ESPN.

“I’m super excited,” Lombardi said. “I never wanted to leave in the first place, so it’s a great opportunity.”

The Maple Leafs also will pay a portion of Lombardi’s remaining contract.

Lombardi is entering the final year of a three-year, $10.5 million deal signed in 2010 with the Nashville Predators, who traded the eight-year veteran to Toronto the following season.

The pick that Toronto received as part of Wednesday’s trade will become a third-round selection if Lombardi re-signs with Phoenix.

Lombardi played just two games with the Predators in 2010-11 due to a neck injury and had limited effectiveness with Toronto last season after missing training camp, scoring eight goals with 10 assists in 62 games.

Lombardi has 97 goals and 157 assists in 508 NHL games, including a stint with the Calgary Flames. He’s also played in 40 career playoff games, with three goals and 13 assists.


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