Matthew Lombardi realizes he has come a long way in his attempt to return to the NHL. But he has a long way to go and remains determined to play in the NHL again this season.
"That's my goal," Lombardi said as he wrapped up his 3rd on -ice session with his new Toronto Maple Leafs teammates. "I want to keep getting better and be in there as soon as I can."
The 29 year-old Lombardi last played in the NHL October 13th of last year for the Nashville Predators. He suffered a concussion in that game. He was just recently cleared and while he is still not taking part in contact drills, Lombardi is progressing.
"I wish I could have a date and that in mind," said Lombardi. "We'll see how I progress over the next few days and go from there. "
"I want to keep getting better and be in there as soon as I can. "
"The last time I played was the second game of (last) year, and since then I haven't felt as good as I am now. It's looking real good."
The Toronto Maple Leafs will open training camp on Friday before exhibition games start next week. Lombardi was acquired by the Leafs this summer.
"The worst thing is you are sitting on the sidelines and watching your teammates and seeing how much fun they are having. Little things - going for a walk I couldn't really do that. it wasn't really a matter of getting back to exercise. I just wanted to get back to my everyday life and being healthy again. Here I am now and I'm out there with the guys and it's a great feeling."
"You definitely have too much time to think about things and a lot of negative things get into your head. I have a great family and they are there for me every day. It keeps things in perspective and we don't have it to bad."
In seventy-eight games with Phoenix two seasons ago, Lombardi picked up a career-high 53 points along with 19 goals.
If he is healthy - and that is a big if - Lombardi would help the Leafs up the middle. The Leafs acquired Tim Connolly as well this off-season.
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