Matthew Lombardi was placed on unconditional waivers by the New York Rangers after the veteran centre refused to go to the American Hockey League.
Four days ago, Lombardi cleared waivers and was assigned to the Hartford Wolf Pack in the AHL, but the 32-year-old wouldn’t report to the team.
Friday’s news was first reported by Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports.
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With Derek Stepan out with a fractured leg, Lombardi was believed to have a strong chance at making the Rangers’ opening-night roster, however the team elected to go with youngsters J.T. Miller, Kevin Hayes and Jesper Fast instead.
Lombardi, who has not played a full season in the NHL since the 2009-10 campaign due to concussion issues and various injuries, signed a two-year, $1.6-million contract with the Rangers in July after spending the 2013-14 season with Geneve Servette in Switzerland’s National League A. According to Lavoie, Lombardi will likely head back to Switzerland.
In 536 career NHL games, the Montreal native has 101 goals, 161 assists and 293 penalty minutes. He was selected 215th overall by Edmonton in the 2000 NHL Draft, but after failing to sign with the Oilers he re-entered the draft and was picked 90th overall in 2002 by the Calgary Flames. In addition to the Flames, Lombardi has also spent time with the Phoenix Coyotes, Nashville Predators, Toronto Maple Leafs and Anaheim Ducks.
The Rangers beat the St. Louis Blues 3-2 Thursday in their season opener. They visit the Columbus Blue Jackets Saturday before their home opener Sunday against the Leafs.