Philadelphia Flyers Free Agent Target: Cody Franson
By John Gove
Philadelphia Flyers Free Agent Target: Cody Franson
Making improvements to a team’s roster is not an easy task when you have very little cap space to work with. As General Manager of the Philadelphia Flyers, Ron Hextall is finding this out and is going to have to work some serious magic if he is going to make the orange and black a playoff worthy team next season.
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As of right now, the Flyers are not in a place where they can comfortably sign a top-tier defensemen. However, Philadelphia proved this past season that they need some serious improvements on the blue-line. What is Ron Hextall to do?
Well the first step will be to clear some room on the roster and the salary cap. Almost every defender on the Flyers is tradable and could be used to acquire a left-winger, prospects, and/or draft picks. Guys like Grossmann and Schenn are most likely only worth draft picks; but someone like Mark Streit may be able to bring in something with a little more immediate value. The Flyers would love to get rid of cap-eater Andrew MacDonald but that will prove to be more difficult due to his obnoxious salary.
If Ron Hextall could move Streit and either Grossmann or Schenn (both would be nice), he could then turn to free agency to find some defensive improvements. Former Maple Leaf and Predator, Cody Franson, would be a nice addition to a blue-line that is in desperate need of some assistance.
Jan 31, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers right wing Wayne Simmonds (17) battles with Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Cody Franson (4) in front of goalie James Reimer (34) during the second period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Although he could no do anything impressive when he was traded to Nashville, teams cannot be deceived in thinking that Franson’s career is now on the decline. Franson is a solid defender who also demonstrates the ability to put up some points as well. In six seasons, he has recorded 169 points, 35 goals, and 134 assists. In addition, Franson has a career +/- of 1.
Cody Franson will be 28-years-old when the 2015 NHL season starts. Although this is not necessarily viewed as young in hockey years, he is still a lot younger than someone like Streit or Grossmann. If the Flyers did sign him, they could feel confident in getting a solid three or four years out of Franson. Mark Streit had a good year for the orange and black; but there is no guarantee that he could do it again.
As mentioned earlier, the Flyers would have to do some serious maneuvering if they were serious about acquiring Cody Franson this offseason. His current salary is somewhere near 3.3M, and one would imagine that he will be looking to get more this time around (does not mean he will get it). Philadelphia should only give Franson consideration if they are able to do some serious shedding of salaries. Hextall would not want to risk putting the Flyers in a deeper hole than they already are.
Mar 31, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Nashville Predators defenseman Cody Franson (44) celebrates with teammates after a goal during the first period agains the Vancouver Canucks at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports