The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed defenseman Cody Franson to a one-year, $3.3 million contract. The two parties were slated to begin the arbitration process Monday morning but have successfully avoided it in light of this new deal.
Maple Leafs Sign Cody Franson to One-Year Deal
Franson, a Sicamous, BC native, has played three seasons in Toronto. During the 2013-14 campaign, he recorded five goals and 28 assists for a total of 33 points in 79 games played and was a minus-20 over that span. Throughout his five-year NHL career, he has tallied 105 assists and 133 points in 322 combined games with the Predators and Leafs.
He was acquired by the Leafs, along with Matthew Lombardi, in a trade that sent Brett Lebda to Nashville three years ago. It was a cost cutting move by the Preds after Lombardi was out with a concussion after signing a deal with the team.
Toronto general manager Dave Nonis made a smart decision signing Franson to a short-term contract. While the 26-year-old blue-liner possesses noticeable offensive skills and potential, he has demonstrated an inability to remain consistent.
However, the 6-foot-5, 213-pounder has had his moments in the spotlight as well. His performance during the lockout-shortened season where he put up 25 assists and 29 points in 45 games was definitely something to remember. Not to mention his solid play throughout the team’s seven-game playoff series against the Boston Bruins.
Time will tell whether or not Franson finds further success with the Leafs, but for being drafted 79th overall in the third round of the 2005 Entry Draft, he’s undoubtedly on the right path nonetheless.
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