B’s In the Running For Cody Franson

[ptaylorgoon]

http://www.letsgobruins.net/2015/07/...-free-agent-d/

Don't know how trustworthy he is. There was a fake Lebrun tweet that said he already signed with the Bruins.

A day after Bruins general manager Don Sweeney TOOOOTALLY REDEEEEMED HIMSELF by signing Matt Beleskey and dealing the combo of Reilly Smith and Marc Savard’s $4 million cap hit to Florida in exchange for Jimmy Hayes, the team is still looking to make another splash.

Rumors have linked the Bruins in talks with one of the most sought-after free agents on the market, defenseman Cody Franson. Franson is a big-bodied, puck-moving blueliner that operates with a quick pace in his game and can QB the powerplay at the blueline. He’s tallied 30+ points in each of the past three seasons while averaging just about 20 minutes a night.

The former Maple Leaf was traded to the Predators at the deadline but wasn’t a great fit on the blueline with his new team. Franson would the perfect top four addition the Bruins need to shore up their defensive core, and with roughly $9.6 million in cap space to work with, perhaps Sweeney can negotiate Franson down a bit a la the Beleskey deal.

The B’s have also been connected to Blackhawks defenseman Johnny Oduya, but to a much lesser extent. Oduya has a few offers he’s sitting on, but the Bruins aren’t expected to be one of the teams involved.

And as a side note, with the news that the St. Louis Blues may potentially deal Kevin Shattenkirk (although they’ve been busy vehemently denying entertaining the thought) Sweeney should poke around that possibility as well.

After hitting a home run with a pair of moves yesterday, Sweeney can repeat the effort by bringing in top four help for the defense. Keep it tuned as we await more word on the matter.

[kovalchuk17]

franson would be a good pickup for many teams. we'll see i guess, surprised he hasnt chosen where he wants to play yet.

[reeveta]

My guess is Franson's agent is still holding out for the big money, big deal. The $6 times 6 years sort of thing. Not many teams will want to give it to him but he only needs one.

[fungchen3]

If the Bruins ends up paying Franson more than Hamilton, watch out.

[Axeman33]

If the Bruins ends up paying Franson more than Hamilton, watch out.

One step forward, two steps back. That's the way the Bruins seem to be going this summer.

[2014olympicgold]

I’m not sure if that’s sarcastic or not when you said Sweeney Redeemed himself by shelling out too much term for Beleskey and doing a minor trade…

And saying Franson is a PP QB is a bit of a reach. He’s a solid No2 D on a PP1, but he’s not agile enough to be the QB. He’s amazing at keeping the puck in the zone, a deceiving snap shot, and an above average passer. He’s not a QB tho in my eyes. The Leafs PP with him on it would rarely be able to gain the zone, let alone allow him to take a shot on net. A QB is supposed to march the offense down the field; Franson was not able to orchestrate the team into the zone. Him coupled with a QB would be very good. Franson + Krug would be nice. I only see Krug when he played Toronto, but if he can move a powerplay into the zone; those two together would be (in theory) a good tandem. But Franson is nothing more than a complimentary piece.

[Godin]

If the Bruins ends up paying Franson more than Hamilton, watch out.

No doubt.

[Zorro]

One step forward, two steps back. That's the way the Bruins seem to be going this summer.

Hamilton trade: 10 steps backwards

Lucic trade: 5 steps backwards

Jones trade: take a knee

Belesky signing: 5 steps forward

[ptaylorgoon]

Hockey Press.ca ‏@TheHockeyPress 3m3 minutes ago
@eerichard9 They've all been real or we wouldn't have post it but takes time to sort out the contract but anything can change at any time

Details
Hockey Press.ca ‏@TheHockeyPress 9m9 minutes ago
BREAKING NHL NEWS: We are hearing that the Bruins are close to signing Cody Franson, around 5M per. #NHL #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/m9ZtlYrU8O

Might be happening today ya'll

[hockeymanG23]

I can hardly believe that he's still available!

[rataylor22]

The two "sources" reporting this look equivalent to Eklund. So I'll wait on saying this is close.

[brakli]

The two "sources" reporting this look equivalent to Eklund. So I'll wait on saying this is close.

Depends on if it's an E4...

I agree with reeveta - I think Franson and his agent are hoping for a late, big deal from a desperate team.

[Zorro]

Don Sweeney should sign Dougie Hamilton for $1 million more then what Franson will cost.. Ohhhhhh whoops, he gone!!

[ptaylorgoon]

Depends on if it's an E4...

I agree with reeveta - I think Franson and his agent are hoping for a late, big deal from a desperate team.

He does have it listed as an E4 (Eklund). Not sure if it makes the rumor more believable or not. He is the second place now this came up. B's trying to move cap space to make it happen?

[brakli]

He does have it listed as an E4 (Eklund). Not sure if it makes the rumor more believable or not. He is the second place now this came up. B's trying to move cap space to make it happen?

I think Eklund thinks it's more believable listed as an E4.

Franson better cost the Bruins less than Hamilton received...