Lauren Kelly:
While the Leafs do need upgrades in all areas on the ice, I’ve been very open to the idea of the Leafs trying to re-acquire Cody Franson (UFA July 1st). He’s familiar with the fishbowl that is Toronto, and although he’s not too familiar with the new management, he would give the Leafs depth at right defense since they’re likely going to let Roman Polak walk in July.
Franson’s current deal (signed 2 years, $3.325AAV) is low enough that the Leafs won’t have to pay a king’s ransom to get him. Franson has been open to returning to the Leafs, so even if he wasn’t on management’s radar before, he definitely should be now. If they want to bolster their blueline, Franson has proved to be a dependable, two-way presence, with the ability to work the powerplay and fire bombs from the point. He hasn’t had the most productive seasons in Buffalo, but he should flourish on a better structured and successful team.