The New York Rangers announced the signing of Matt Lombardi to a two-year, $1.6-million contract on Wednesday, and while the 32-year-old forward was planning on remaining with Geneve-Servette HC in Switzerland, he said he simply could not resist "an amazing opportunity" to return to the NHL.
Here's what Lombardi said, via BlueshirtsUnited:
The plan was to go back - I had signed an extension there, and my family was really happy there - and even though I had the out in my contract I didn't think anything was going to happen [in the NHL] so I wasn't thinking about that too much.
With New York, it just kind of fell into my lap and I just felt like it was an opportunity I couldn't let go ... I felt like it was a once in a lifetime chance, especially at my age, and it was a pretty cool opportunity to play for this team with all of the success they have had. I just thought it was good for me.
Rangers assistant general manager Jeff Gorton explained the rational behind reaching out to Lombardi:
Matthew is a guy we've always kept our eyes on because he plays the way we like - he's quick, he's versatile, he can play center or he can play wing, he can play up and down your lineup, he kills penalties - there's a lot of things he can do for a hockey team. We're excited at the opportunity to get somebody that fits right in with the way we play.
Lombardi posted career highs in goals (19) and assists (34) as a member of the Phoenix Coyotes in 2009-10. He last appeared in the NHL during the lockout-shortened 2013 season, scoring four goals and four assists in 28 games split between the Coyotes and the Anaheim Ducks.