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Franson Uncertainty Raises Blueline Concerns

August 25, 2012, 2:25 PM ET [175 Comments]
Mike Augello
Toronto Maple Leafs Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Questions regarding defenseman Cody Franson’s future in Toronto could pose a problem for Maple Leafs head coach Randy Carlyle whenever the upcoming season begins.

Nary a word has been heard from the 25-year-old restricted free agent since early summer after receiving Toronto's qualifying offer, except from his representatives saying that they would hold off signing a new contract with the Leafs until his role with the club was properly defined.

Franson was acquired along with forward Matthew Lombardi last July from Nashville in what is accurately considered a salary dump, as Lombardi had $7 Million left on final two years of his deal and Franson likely to make significantly more money when his two-year, $1.6 Million contract expired at the end of last season.

With most of the higher profile free agents already signed, Franson’s name has been mentioned, prominently in rumors along with Phoenix Coyotes defenseman Keith Yandle, Canadiens RFA P.K. Subban and former Leaf first rounder Carlo Colaiacovo to teams still looking to upgrade their blueline, but there is no actual proof that Toronto is shopping him.

If Franson were to be traded, it would likely be to a team that would not be giving them a defenseman back, leaving Toronto with five defensemen from last year's roster(Phaneuf, Gunnarsson, Gardiner, Komisarek, Liles) along with minor leaguer Korbinian Holzer, who is expected to get a long look at training camp(if there is a training camp).

2012 first rounder Morgan Rielly played impressively in the recent Canada/Russia challenge, but every indication is that the Leafs want the young rearguard to play a full year in the WHL and the World Juniors, as well as 2011 first pick Stuart Percy, who still has junior eligibility.

That would leave the battle for the seventh defenseman between a youngster like Jesse Blacker, who struggled in his first full professional season or defenders with some NHL experience, like former New Jersey Devil Mark Fraser or the recently signed ex-Lightning rearguard Paul Ranger.

Do you have confidence that Holzer can handle the duties of being on the bottom pairing?? Or that Blacker, Fraser or Ranger could make the team and be an adequate seventh defenseman?? Or do you think it is a necessity to keep and sign Franson?



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