He started the season in the 5/6 hole. That I've never argued. But what was the reasoning? For starters, Liles was in the lineup at that point. Did Carlyle have a preseason to see what he had? What was the feedback from the coaches to that point? Wasn't like Wilson used Franson effectively prior to that either. Yet, at some point, say 12 games in for the sake of argument, Franson EARNED MORE ICE TIME. His responsibilities started to increase, and he became a go to guy as evidenced by his ATOI as the season progressed.

If the Leafs truly believed he was a 5/6 guy still, and Carlyle didn't see him as more, do you not think that he would've been moved already? I mean, its not like they wasted time in moving Grabovski.
- mykokes

Apples and oranges.

They like Franson.

But he's an RFA - the Leafs hold all the cards. And with a crowded blueline of guys who are roughly the same talent level as Franson (maybe a little less in column A, but a little more in column B), there's actually an upside if he decides to sit for a while.

Offer him a golden island
- robin_steele264

Dear Kessel,

What do you want? Gold? Women? Golden Women?

Serve us faithfully and it can all be yours. Just remember, the day you leave, all of the splendors end with it.

Yours,

Dave

*fixed*
- Garnie

You can't fix my prediction


You can make your own prediction.


It'll be as predictable as my prediction I'm sure.

I like what he did. That's why I want him to sign.

He performed very well in his role of 3rd pairing dman/PP specialist, and should be paid accordingly.
- Feeling Glucky?

ok I agree...he's going to have a GREAT year and get a big fat contract in a year or 2

at least that's what I'm hoping..I think he is a good person and a good hockey player - Burke made a good move and by letting him go would be a waste of the money we spent on Lombardi. ( can't believe we played Lombardi and sat Franson)

He started the season in the 5/6 hole. That I've never argued. But what was the reasoning? For starters, Liles was in the lineup at that point. At some point Franson EARNED MORE ICE TIME. His responsibilities started to increase, and he became a go to guy as evidenced by his ATOI as the season progressed.

If the Leafs truly believed he was a 5/6 guy still, and Carlyle didn't see him as more, do you not think that he would've been moved already? I mean, its not like they wasted time in moving Grabovski.
- mykokes

you didnt pick up on my sarcasm....
like you i agree, but didnt franson actually start as the 7th dman in the press box... then got a chance to play 5/6, but at the 12 game mark when his toi/g dictated like his play that he was 3/4... it was only because of injuries, and good furtune on the pp.

Dear Kessel,

What do you want? Gold? Women? Golden Women?

Serve us faithfully and it can all be yours. Just remember, the day you leave, all of the splendors end with it.

Yours,

Dave
- AdamFrench

Like Kessel gonna leave his boyfriend Bozak....Dont fall for it Dave...

You can't fix my prediction


You can make your own prediction.


It'll be as predictable as my prediction I'm sure.
- robin_steele264

I think we make the playoffs. If I was a betting man.......but I'm not really, especially when it comes to the Leafs. I give them enough bad luck already

you didnt pick up on my sarcasm....
like you i agree, but didnt franson actually start as the 7th dman in the press box... then got a chance to play 5/6, but at the 12 game mark when his toi/g dictated like his play that he was 3/4... it was only because of injuries, and good furtune on the pp.
- Rockhead_37

Liles was scratched at that time I do believe.

were people expecting him to say "We'll fight for a playoffs sot, don't think we're a contender"?
- Symba007

I don't want him to be thinking about the playoffs.

They just need to take it one shift at a time.

Focus on doing the little things right.

Play their game - don't get sucked into reacting to what the other team is doing.

They have a lot of confidence in their team.

When they look around the room, there's an awful lot of talent.

Considering most players leave the negotiating to their agents, he could be telling the truth, and a deal could be worked out during the season.
- The Shrike

Also there is a nice two week window where the NHL is on hiatus this year, where it could be discussed. Though with Kessel going to the Olympics, would be hard...but might a good two weeks to hammer out a deal for the captain.

Kessel isn't going anywhere

In layman's terms


$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
- AdamFrench

If that's what he means, then nobody can offer him more (total) than the Leafs.

It sucks seeing studs like Getz, Perry, Nash, Stamkos, Crosby, Malkin, Sedins, etc. extending long-term before mid season, but we have to deal with this BS with Kessel.

Kessel isn't going anywhere
- MapleLeafs90

But hab and the lub can fans wont have anything to talk about..

Like Kessel gonna leave his boyfriend Bozak....Dont fall for it Dave...
- Fruitcakenipple

Yeah. With Bozak on the team Kessel has no leverage. Leafs played this perfectly. Play hardball with him and let him cave.

Kessel isn't going anywhere
- MapleLeafs90

Thanks, now I have no more worries. You're his agent?

Kessel isn't going anywhere
- MapleLeafs90

sucks for when the team will be playing on the road

If that's what he means, then nobody can offer him more (total) than the Leafs.

It sucks seeing studs like Getz, Perry, Nash, Stamkos, Crosby, Malkin, Sedins, etc. extending long-term before mid season, but we have to deal with this BS with Kessel.
- 1979AD

Trade him....Return should be sweet...

Apples and oranges.

They like Franson.

But he's an RFA - the Leafs hold all the cards. And with a crowded blueline of guys who are roughly the same talent level as Franson (maybe a little less in column A, but a little more in column B), there's actually an upside if he decides to sit for a while.
- Atomic Wedgie

Having Rielly turn heads in camp could definitely help the situation. I said 3.4M long term for Franson, I could see an even 3 for two seasons instead.

Kessel isn't going anywhere
- MapleLeafs90

He's just not gonna negotiate a contract and is looking forward to picking where he wants to go.


Nothing to worry about.

Damien Cox is such a knob.

http://www.thestar.com/sp...onship_far_from_cozy.html
- Garnie

MSM tabloid sports journalism... trying to set a narrative of 4 years down the road when Kadri is a UFA and won't stay in Toronto because of some BS.....

Pretty much like how the MSM is doing with Kessel now... it's like they want him to hit UFA, go someplace else and cook up a big juicy story of how the Leafs f'd up and lost him.

Trade him....Return should be sweet...
- Fruitcakenipple

Sure... when those picks/prospects end up contributing 2-3-4 years down the road. Not what the team needs right now.

Yeah. With Bozak on the team Kessel has no leverage. Leafs played this perfectly. Play hardball with him and let him cave.
- robin_steele264

Leafs will pay him 8M for 8 years.

1M cap hit.

Like Kessel gonna leave his boyfriend Bozak....Dont fall for it Dave...
- Fruitcakenipple

Oh oh, could this mean that their has been a falling out on 8142 Sesame Street?

He's just not gonna negotiate a contract and is looking forward to picking where he wants to go.


Nothing to worry about.
- robin_steele264

this is going to get ugly

this i think we can get 100% agreement on..
add to that list:
Simmons
Johnston
Alter
and the guy from the toronto sun that calls players mommies
- Rockhead_37

That would be Feschuk from the star I believe