Fans of the Toronto Maple Leafs hoping that young defenseman Cody Franson would stick around to help the organization find its way out of the mediocrity it has consistently found itself mired in seem to be out of luck.
Franson and his agent Gerry Johansson have been engaged in a protracted contract negotiation with the Leafs for some time now, with the final verdict being that Toronto simply won't match his financial demands, according to a report from Pierre LeBrun of ESPN.
"Odds are Cody Franson will be moved before the March 2 trade deadline unless the Toronto Maple Leafs have a change of heart on what they're willing to agree to contract wise with the pending UFA blueliner," LeBrun reported.
The Leafs have offered deals with approximate yearly values of $4.4-4.5 million, while Franson - who has said he prefers to stay with Toronto - knows that on the open market in July he can get a six to seven-year deal with an annual value above $5 million.
The 27-year-old Franson, a former third-round pick of the Nashville Predators, is a big right-hander with offensive prowess - he's got six goals and 23 assists in 49 games this season - and good movement skills.
LeBrun points to the deal Matt Niskanen inked with the Washington Capitals - seven years, $5.75 annually - for a barometer of what Franson expects to receive as an unrestricted free agent.
The silver-lining for fans of the blue and white is that, should the team prove unwilling to up its offer, Franson will be dealt ahead of the NHL's March trade deadline and should fetch a significant return.
"I would think at least a second-round pick plus either a young NHLer or a solid prospect could be a return on Franson," writes LeBrun. "Could the pick become a low first-rounder if the bidding war gets hot? You never know."
LeBrun points to the Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings and Nashville Predators as teams that have shown interest in Franson.
