With the trade deadline just over a month away, the Toronto Maple Leafs currently sit 10 points out of the final playoff position. The Leafs have been trending downward for quite some time now, and all signs point to the team being sellers on March 2nd.
Among those who could be dealt is Cody Franson. The 27-year-old defenceman has 6 goals and 29 points throughout 48 games this season. He is having a great year statistically speaking, as he only needs 3 more goals and 5 more points to set new career highs in both categories. He also has 4 goals and 10 assists on the powerplay, making him a great addition to any team’s man advantage.
Defencemen are often a hot commodity at the deadline, and this year should be no exception. The Maple Leafs will likely want a good young prospect as well as a 2015 second round draft pick in exchange for Franson, and if there is a bidding war then that price may go up. There are a number of teams looking to add a player like Franson that also have what the Maple Leafs are looking for. Here are 5 potential destinations for the Leafs blueliner.
ANAHEIM DUCKS
The league leading Ducks look poised for a deep playoff run this spring. They will be buyers at the trade deadline, and could use some help on the blue line. Franson could step right in to playing a top 4 role, possibly on a pairing with Cam Fowler. The Ducks powerplay has been middle of the pack, and is clicking at a rate of 18%. Franson could be the solution to increasing that percentage, making Anaheim’s powerplay a potent one come playoff time.
DETROIT RED WINGS
The Red Wings struck out on signing a defenceman during free agency last summer. They have been looking to trade for an upgrade all season, but have yet to find the right offer. There was some interest in Tyler Myers of the Buffalo Sabres, but the asking price was too high for the Red Wings to pull the trigger. Franson should come with a lower price tag, meaning Detroit may have just found the fit they have been looking for.
COLORADO AVALANCHE
After a disappointing first half to the 2014-15 campaign, the Avalanche now find themselves 2 points out of a playoff spot. Colorado was not particularly strong on defence from the beginning, and now Erik Johnson will be out of the lineup for 3 to 8 weeks. Franson could fill the void left by Johnson, and also help improve the team’s dreadful powerplay which currently ranks 29th in the league. If the team is serious about making a run for the playoffs, adding a player like Franson could be what they need to get there.
DALLAS STARS
Similar to the Avalanche, the Stars haven’t been able to carry over their success from last season. They sit 4 points back of the Calgary Flames for the final Wildcard spot, and could use an extra push to help them catch up. The Stars 152 goals is the fifth highest among all NHL teams. However, their powerplay has not been very effective, which is surprising considering the offensive talent at the team’s disposal. Perhaps Franson could spark the Stars play with the man advantage. While Dallas does not have their second round pick anymore, they still have other prospects and picks they could use to make a trade.
LOS ANGELES KINGS
The defending Stanley Cup champions currently find themselves outside of the playoff picture. While it is likely that they find a way to make it in, the Kings still have some holes in their defence. They lost Willie Mitchell to free agency last summer, and Slava Voynov appears to be out for the foreseeable future. Being short two key defencemen from last year, Los Angeles should certainly be searching for some help on the back-end. Adding Franson could be the boost they need as they attempt to defend their title this spring.
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