Justin Cait: Cody Franson
It’s no secret the Leafs are on the hunt for a No. 1 right-handed defenseman (RD). I don’t believe free agency is the place where Toronto will find that guy.
However, there are some good options. One of those options is signing a dependable RD on a short term, low risk contract. While the pool is shallow, there are a few UFAs that could step in and fill the RD void for the time being.
Enter ex-Leaf Cody Franson. After coming off of a season in which he was debatably the Buffalo Sabres’ best defenseman (which, honestly, really isn’t saying a lot), Franson wouldn’t be a terrible Plan B for Toronto.
Franson is a veteran presence that’s familiar with playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs and has assets to offer. He plays controlled minutes, suppresses shots and creates offense.
Signing a defenseman that will enhance the blue line for the short term could be the silver lining for the Leafs’ potential inability to find their top line right-handed defenseman in a timely manner.