before last year he played sheltered bottom pairing minutes against 3rd and 4th lines. That's why he appeared "better defensively"
He did not play worse last season, he played against better players, and got abused... handily.
If he were to play against the level of competition Phaneuf plays shift to shift, he'd be approaching triple digit minus status.

Franson is ONLY better than Gunnarson at putting a snap shot on net. He puts up points, but over half his points are on the PP the last 2 seasons.

He is simply NOT capable of top pairing minutes.
- Badge

While I agree he certainly isn't the ideal candidate for top pairing minutes we are at an impass because there isn't an obvious person for the job, hopefully we address this via trade. That being said, Franson played an average of 2 more minutes a night between the two seasons, you can argue pairings and matchups but I disagree, I think he was worst because he started the season with an injury and never found his rhythm.
Who out of our lineup would you pair with Dion as of now?

I think ive been banned 100 times.
- jbold

I lost count

You're correct about PK not signing for 8. If that's the case, ouch. I'm assuming he will. Could Montreal have signed him for 8 years 2 years ago? Sure. But let's remember that this is pre-Norris PK. He's a far better, more complete player now that he was 2 years ago. Signing him 8 years (assuming he wanted that) would have been a huge leap of faith. You see that very very rarely.
- DoubleDown

If dion is getting 7...... Subban will be getting 8 for sure

I don't think Franson is near as bad as a large portion of our fanbase makes him out to be. Our team was so late to every loose puck, was often out worked and muscled in puck battles, had no concept of a team defensive plan or cohesion. Guys like Gards and Rielly got free passes on account of low salaries, youth and inexperience/potential but everyone looked brutal last year.

I want to keep Riemer. I believe he is a good goalie and will bounce back. Plus with the options of what is available to replace him with....I don't think we should be giving him away.

Im going to google Clitsnatch now and report back.
- systemtool

There's a shelf life on how long Reimer and Bernier can play together, even if it works.

if it works well, they will price themselves out of being on the same team. Hell that will probably happen with Bernier's next deal.

Franson doesn't fit with this group anymore. Doesn't skate well enough to be offensive guy, and is abysmal defensively. Would much rather he was replaced and everyone else moved up a notch (Gardiner and Rielly).

I'm fine with him as a place holder on the bottom pair until Granberg or Percy is ready. Was happy he signed only a 1 year deal that is very moveable.

I recognize he has value, but I don't see him in this group anymore. Even less so once Finn is ready.

What happens in a week?
- systemtool

I'll be (frank)ed if I know!

Or we can let Reimer play a few games, and if he played like he did at the start of last year, we can move him for much more (or keep him)
why does everyone wanna move the guy when he is at an all time low in value?
This is not like the Luongo situation with a backup with a huge contract and ego.
Reimer is making 2.3, which is reasonable considering Bernier also makes less than 3
- GardinerExpress

You won't get more than a 2nd for reimer

Micah is very ban happy.


Especially against Leaf fans.


I got a few days if I recall for posting this:

e>
- lumlums

Well (frank)ing deserved

I lost count
- MCharisma91

Well if you've run out of fingers it must be at least 12

Well (frank)ing deserved
- AdamFrench

The idea that bridge deals haunt you is wrong and anyone who understands math and basic economics understands that long term, a bridge deal is smart because you end up paying a lesser AAV for a players prime years (late 20s early 30s) if you sign the bridge.
- DoubleDown

Exactly, and that's so important in the cap era.

Franson for Clitsome straight up.

Reimer for a 2nd.

Great value seeing how I would give them up for a bag of pucks.
- iTOLDu

That would leave $4 million in cap space, and a back up goalie to sign.

JVR ($4.250m) / Bozak ($4.200m) / Kessel ($8.000m)
Lupul ($5.250m) / Kadri ($2.900m) / Frattin ($0.800m)
Komarov ($2.950m) / Kontiola ($1.100m) / Clarkson ($5.250m)
Winnik ($1.300m) / Santorelli ($1.500m) / Booth ($1.100m)
Bodie ($0.600m) / Holland ($0.775m) /

Gardiner ($4.050m) / Phaneuf ($7.000m)
Rielly ($0.894m) / Robidas ($3.000m)
Clitsome ($2.067m) / Polak ($2.750m)
Granberg ($0.800m)

Bernier ($2.900m)

BUYOUTS
Gleason ($0.833m)

RETAINED SALARIES
Gunnarsson ($0.200m)

BONUS OVERAGE
$512,500
------
CAPGEEK.COM TOTALS:

SALARY CAP: $69,000,000
CAP PAYROLL: $64,981,667
CAP SPACE (22-man roster): $4,018,333

Hockeybuzz tried to ban me




Once
- AdamFrench

How can people ruin such an easy, but great saying?


Hockeybuzz tried to ban me once.


ONCE

While I agree he certainly isn't the ideal candidate for top pairing minutes we are at an impass because there isn't an obvious person for the job, hopefully we address this via trade. That being said, Franson played an average of 2 more minutes a night between the two seasons, you can argue pairings and matchups but I disagree, I think he was worst because he started the season with an injury and never found his rhythm.
Who out of our lineup would you pair with Dion as of now?
- MapleLeafsFTW

Robidas preferably, or Gardiner if they want to keep Dion on the right side.

Franson's quality of competition is the issue. Been posted and discussed at length several times. During the lockout year, he only faced 3/4th lines until the last handful of games.

last year he saw a lot more 2nd line competition and couldn't handle it. He doesn't have the skating or positioning.
Rielly and Gardiner will surpass his points soon, quite likely this season, usurping him on the PP... and PP is all Franson brings to the table

- lumlums

THIS IS A RIOT SONG!



Also it works really well as the lyrics are perfect for what happened.

Micah is very ban happy.


Especially against Leaf fans.


I got a few days if I recall for posting this:

<>
- lumlums

What's the general consensus on the Gardiner signing?

And has anybody checked HH for a pulse?

What's the general consensus on the Gardiner signing?

And has anybody checked HH for a pulse?
- The Law

good chance of it being and excellent contract for years 3-5

Bit high for next year though. I like it.

How can people ruin such an easy, but great saying?


Hockeybuzz tried to ban me once.


ONCE
- weirdoh

Weirdoh tried correcting me once.



Once.

What's the general consensus on the Gardiner signing?

And has anybody checked HH for a pulse?
- The Law

Via HH's twitter:

"Better be a sign and trade or it's the worst day ever to be a leaf fan."

Weirdoh tried correcting me once.



Once.
- AdamFrench

Well done my friend.

If dion is getting 7...... Subban will be getting 10 for sure
- Fakepartofme

Fixed.

Via HH's twitter:

"Better be a sign and trade or it's the worst day ever to be a leaf fan."


- lumlums

hey I found you lol

hey I found you lol
- MCharisma91

*Hides*

*Hides*



- lumlums

....

Via HH's twitter:

"Better be a sign and trade or it's the worst day ever to be a leaf fan."


- lumlums

Nice to know he's opening up his mind.

And as a Brit should know they make the best "riot" songs …

Sex Pistols - Anarchy in the UK
The Smiths - Panic
The Clash - London Calling

With a shout out to Ice Cube - We had to tear this mutha(frank)er up