Franson and a ding on the books for dead weight?

by Marcus Newman on Jul 5, 2011 10:27 AM EDT

As a Preds fan, you obviously got the better end of this deal. Don't let anyone sell you short on Franson either. He has great poise with the puck, a top notch playoff beard, a wicked-quick drag and release from the point, and is excellent with his stick in all three zones. Some people would like to see a guy his size play more physical but he is good enough on the puck that he doesn't have to take the body as often. Above all, he is on the way up, not out. The guy has the skill to be top 4 right away. His skating isn't bad either, he is just a big dude and doesn't move like a 5'8 175 lb winger. The guy is definitely not roaming around out there (see Brett Lebda). He is great on the power play but, not exactly a specialist. It's funny, but if I had to compare him to another player, it might well be John-Michael Liles, though I think Cody has more upside.

It's nice for us to have enough guys in our system that we can make a move like this but I hate to see him go, especially just as a way to dump Lombardi's salary. Luckily, the Leafs can afford the move. Unfortunately, I personally doubt Lombardi will ever play again, certainly not at a high level, but that probably isn't news to any of you. Even with Franson gone, Lebda is probably 6 or 7 on our depth chart and at risk during camp (assuming he even stays part of the club that long).

I am hoping the whole thing turns out to be the catalyst that spawns long term contracts for Suter, Weber, and Rinne. We'll see.

In the meantime, enjoy your new additions and for for the love of Dickie Duff, could you guys try to stay on the right side of .500 out of the gate this year? If you are not careful, the rest of Canada is going to start calling you guys the Laffs or something.

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(assuming he even stays part of the club that long).

Bought out/sent to minors/traded again?

I think he’ll play, and Nashville hopes Trotz can beat some defensive responsibility into him. Or he plays 4th line wing.

Nifty Mittens

by MapleLeafMole on Jul 5, 2011 10:58 AM EDT reply actions

He may end up getting some time given his experience but I wouldn’t be suprised to see him turned into a draft pick or a 3rd/4th line winger before camp. I think it may hinge on wether or not Frank the Tank is back and ready to go. It’s hard to imagine both of them in the lineup with a couple of nice options (Josi, Ekholm, Ellis) looking to make the roster this year.

Thelma & Louise? No way! That's disrespectful (to Thelma and Louise).

by Marcus Newman on Jul 5, 2011 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions

That picture is awesome!

Love to Ryan Ellis crack the roster. 3rd pairing, offensive D-man/PP specialist. Cody Franson but half his size

Nifty Mittens

by MapleLeafMole on Jul 5, 2011 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions

yea right away once he steps in.

i think ryan can do something on the PP. i know he is small and new to the league but he is that good. Dont expect much from him 5 on 5 or anything yet though might take him a couple years to adjust into a minutes guy if he ever is one, but he will be a PP wizard thats for sure.

by Jt Malley on Jul 7, 2011 1:08 AM EDT up reply actions

He actually got his nose caved in during that little rumble but the fact that he took the guy on is part of what I love about him!

We have the same wish. Ellis looked light years beyond most at the prospects camp last week. His shot is wicked. We’’ll see how he stacks up against the bigger forwards in a few weeks. Finger crossed! The though of him and Weber on th PP… this is me drooling

Thelma & Louise? No way! That's disrespectful (to Thelma and Louise).

by Marcus Newman on Jul 5, 2011 12:44 PM EDT reply actions