The Red Wings continue to search for help on defense, but it won't include Wade Redden. They could instead take a look at Toronto's Cody Franson.
There had been internal discussions about whether Redden, 35, would help bolster the blue line in the wake of losing Nicklas Lidstrom to retirement and Brad Stuart via trade, but ultimately management decided against pursuing a guy who hasn't played in the NHL two years. Redden became an unrestricted free agent after clearing waivers and then going through a buyout with the New York Rangers.
Another possibility is Franson, who probably can be had for a third or fourth draft pick. Franson, 25, is 6-foot-5, shoots right-handed, and only makes $1.2 million and is in the last year of a deal that will leave him a restricted free agent this summer. He has 71 points in 198 games with the Leafs and Nashville Predators.
Franson can play special teams and is a good deal more physical than Jakub Kindl. Franson could give the Wings a little more comfort with their second and third pairings, giving them options as far as where to play Brendan Smith and Kyle Quincey.
The Red Wings continue to search for help on defense, but it won't include Wade Redden. They could instead take a look at Toronto's Cody Franson.
There had been internal discussions about whether Redden, 35, would help bolster the blue line in the wake of losing Nicklas Lidstrom to retirement and Brad Stuart via trade, but ultimately management decided against pursuing a guy who hasn't played in the NHL two years. Redden became an unrestricted free agent after clearing waivers and then going through a buyout with the New York Rangers.
Another possibility is Franson, who probably can be had for a third or fourth draft pick. Franson, 25, is 6-foot-5, shoots right-handed, and only makes $1.2 million and is in the last year of a deal that will leave him a restricted free agent this summer. He has 71 points in 198 games with the Leafs and Nashville Predators.
Franson can play special teams and is a good deal more physical than Jakub Kindl. Franson could give the Wings a little more comfort with their second and third pairings, giving them options as far as where to play Brendan Smith and Kyle Quincey.
are you serious? Dion is is more important to us then franson will likely ever be
The sad part is, he probably is.
As for Franson, I don't see the point of moving him at this point, and certainly not for a 4th rounder. If Lombardi was able to get us a 4th rounder in return, Franson should be more valuable. Unless Rielly's made a serious impression in training camp (doesn't appear to be the case), I'm more than content to have Franson on the 3rd pairing with some PP time, or even splitting press box duties with other poorly performing defensemen.
If we did want to get rid of him badly, I'd wait until TDL, when the value of offensive defensemen seems to be at its highest with teams gearing up for the playoffs. Considering the condensed schedule, and the increased likelyhood of injuries on the back end, that could be even more so the case this season.
No way! Until we see what Franson can do with a proper coach it is not worth risking his potential for a 3rd/4th! It is Detroit which will be a low pick too so I'd think long and hard even if it was a 2nd.
Im not convinced Franson will fit here longterm, but we're also pretty thin back there this year. Same reason we wont buyout Komi until this summer (unless he actually plays well..).
Granted, he's not particularly strong defensively. Kostka or Fraser could probably fill his spot at a fairly similar level, while also getting us a ~2nd round pick or so.
We'd need to get a warm body back to some play some defence if we trade Franson. Considering he isn't much more than a warm body, I fail to see the point.
Leafs depth on defense means they're hoping Fraser, Holzer, and Kostka are good enough to play in the NHL.
Hardly a position of strength for Toronto to be moving out defenders.
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Woodlief
using his big frame to create space and his skating ability to find open lanes to drive the net. He stands 6-3 and is a natural goal scorer with plenty of confidence.
He's a scout's dream in the way he prepares himself and plays an unselfish game, making smart decisions with the puck. With his bloodlines, he certainly understands what it will take to make it at the next level.
are you serious? Dion is is more important to us then franson will likely ever be
Perfectly serious, actually.
I never liked Phaneuf before he became a Leaf, and I like him even less now that he is a Leaf. And to have him as the Leafs' Captain.. well, that's a bad joke in and of itself.
I don't like his game; it's just too brutally bad to watch on a regular basis. There's a reason why nobody is willing to screen the opposing goalie whenever Phaneuf is on the ice; they don't want to get hit in the head by one of Phaneuf's infamously hard and inaccurate shot. He's also brutal on the penalty kill. Not to mention, his decision-making (and on-ice leadership) skills are highly suspect and are clearly NOT up to the standard befitting a captain of an NHL team.
Add to all of that his absolutely ridiculous salary/cap hit and the picture is complete.
It's my opinion that it's time to move this over-rated, overpaid clown.
He's never going to lead this team anywhere (except into the league basement again), so Nonis might as well trade him while he still has some value. The Leafs need to begin building for the future, and I really don't see Phaneuf as an important part of it.
As for Franson, I see more in him than most people around here will give him credit for. Given the opportunity, I firmly believe that Franson could replace Phaneuf's offence AND be better defensively than Phaneuf. Franson is already a better decision-maker than Phaneuf and should get more ice-time for it as a result and his shot is far more accurate than Phaneuf's ever was.
Last edited by EucaLEAFtys: 01-18-2013 at 06:44 AM.
IIRC, Phaneuf plays the third most difficult minutes among dmen in terms of quality of competition and puts up top-15 offensive totals whilst being a highly physical presence.
There are a lot of issues with this roster. Phaneuf ain't one of them.
I could see it if at the deadline we are not in playoff position. Right now though, seems like Cody has a roster spot and should have the minutes to contribute well enough.
He could fetch a decent return, depending on his play obviously.
I never liked Phaneuf before he became a Leaf, and I like him even less now that he is a Leaf. And to have him as the Leafs' Captain.. well, that's a bad joke in and of itself.
I don't like his game; it's just too brutally bad to watch on a regular basis. There's a reason why nobody is willing to screen the opposing goalie whenever Phaneuf is on the ice; they don't want to get hit in the head by one of Phaneuf's infamously hard and inaccurate shot. He's also brutal on the penalty kill. Not to mention, his decision-making (and on-ice leadership) skills are highly suspect and are clearly NOT up to the standard befitting a captain of an NHL team.
Add to all of that his absolutely ridiculous salary/cap hit and the picture is complete.
It's my opinion that it's time to move this over-rated, overpaid clown.
He's never going to lead this team anywhere (except into the league basement again), so Nonis might as well trade him while he still has some value. The Leafs need to begin building for the future, and I really don't see Phaneuf as an important part of it.
As for Franson, I see more in him than most people around here will give him credit for. Given the opportunity, I firmly believe that Franson could replace Phaneuf's offence AND be better defensively than Phaneuf. Franson is already a better decision-maker than Phaneuf and should get more ice-time for it as a result and his shot is far more accurate than Phaneuf's ever was.
The problem is Dion is asked to do too much because he is so much better then the rest of the blueline. It has been demonstrated his best years have all been when he played around 18 minutes, but because there is no one better he is forced to play 25+ with a result of diminishing returns. It should be noted he was 12th in scoring among D last year which is pretty respectable. It's pretty hard to take your post seriously. I can't be bothered to point out the numerous other flaws in your post because I don't believe you really thought it out before postiing it, or you simply don't know what you are talking about.
As for Franson, this is mere speculation and in light of Fransons new found willingness to be physical it would be silly to move him before we see what he can do.
Anybody on the team, aside from the key young prospects like Rielly, should be available for the right price. But a 4th rounder doesn't seem like the right price for a still young defender, with a favorable contract. As pointed out above, that's what Lombardi fetched, with his major cap hit and injury history.
Nor does this seem the right time. Gardiner will be out for the start of the season and a replacement is needed. Moreover, Franson's value should be higher at the trade deadline. Only trade him now if the Wings make an offer too good to refuse.
I never liked Phaneuf before he became a Leaf, and I like him even less now that he is a Leaf. And to have him as the Leafs' Captain.. well, that's a bad joke in and of itself.
I don't like his game; it's just too brutally bad to watch on a regular basis. There's a reason why nobody is willing to screen the opposing goalie whenever Phaneuf is on the ice; they don't want to get hit in the head by one of Phaneuf's infamously hard and inaccurate shot. He's also brutal on the penalty kill. Not to mention, his decision-making (and on-ice leadership) skills are highly suspect and are clearly NOT up to the standard befitting a captain of an NHL team.
Add to all of that his absolutely ridiculous salary/cap hit and the picture is complete.
It's my opinion that it's time to move this over-rated, overpaid clown.
He's never going to lead this team anywhere (except into the league basement again), so Nonis might as well trade him while he still has some value. The Leafs need to begin building for the future, and I really don't see Phaneuf as an important part of it.
As for Franson, I see more in him than most people around here will give him credit for. Given the opportunity, I firmly believe that Franson could replace Phaneuf's offence AND be better defensively than Phaneuf. Franson is already a better decision-maker than Phaneuf and should get more ice-time for it as a result and his shot is far more accurate than Phaneuf's ever was.
I think it is crazy to make snap judgements on alot of these players until we can see what they do under Carlyle. Brad May said on Sportsnet he saw first hand how instrumental Ron Wilson was on the lack of success for the team.
Anybody on the team, aside from the key young prospects like Rielly, should be available for the right price. But a 4th rounder doesn't seem like the right price for a still young defender, with a favorable contract. As pointed out above, that's what Lombardi fetched, with his major cap hit and injury history.
Nor does this seem the right time. Gardiner will be out for the start of the season and a replacement is needed. Moreover, Franson's value should be higher at the trade deadline. Only trade him now if the Wings make an offer too good to refuse.
Good point. I say keep any possible asset until the TD when prices inflate.
