Dreger: Maple Leafs have trade offers for Franson, prefer to sign him to new deal
Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Dave Nonis has been receiving phone calls in regards to Cody Franson, but is believed to be reluctant to part with the 26-year-old defenseman.
Leafs have trade offers on the table for Franson. So far, none acceptable. Preference is to re-sign him.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 19, 2014
Franson, a restricted free agent, is coming off a career year in Toronto; in 79 games, he scored five goals and added 28 assists with 115 shots on net and 18 power-play points, all while averaging 20:41 of ice time, the most in his five years in the NHL.
He also ranked third on the team in Corsi for, albeit with a less than sparkling 44.9 percent rating.
With his one-year, $2-million deal set to expire on June 30, Franson will likely be seeking a raise; if he and the Maple Leafs can't agree on term and valuation, Nonis may be forced to take another look at those trade offers.