Jun 30, 2015
Leafs, Flames among teams in on Franson?
Keep up to date on the latest trade, draft and free agent speculation and rumours from around the league. Tuesday's round-up includes a report the Calgary Flames and Toronto Maple Leafs are two of six teams to have contacted pending UFA and former Leaf Cody Franson.
TSN.ca Staff
The NHL's off-season is upon us and teams are already looking to re-shape their rosters for a more successful 2015-16 season. Keep up to date on the latest trade/free agent speculation and rumours from around the league.
Franson’s Market
Leading up to the open of free agency on Wednesday, Cody Franson has heard from a number of interested teams. According to a report from ProHockeyTalk, that number is at a half dozen one day before he can sign.
“Pending unrestricted free agent Cody Franson has spoken with “half a dozen” teams, agent Gerry Johannson tells PHT.
“Just tire-kicking. General stuff,” Johannson said of the talks. “We already know who the teams are that would need someone like Cody anyway. The conversations have been pretty light.”
Meanwhile, Dhiren Mahiban of the Canadian Press reports a number of those six teams that have shown interest in the defenceman.
Trade Route
After making a big splash in free agency last year with the signings of defencemen Matt Niskanen and Brooks Orpik, the Washington Capitals expect to be a lot quieter this July 1.
According to a report from Alex Prewitt of the Washington Post, the Capitals’ quest for a top-six winger will likely happen via a trade rather than free agency.
“This year’s a little tighter,” he said. “It’s a little thinner and it’s going to be more competitive and I think you’re going to have to really overpay to get guys, because it’s more competitive for guys this year.”
Instead, MacLellan continued, the Capitals’ quest for a top-six winger will likely take them down the trade route, which he called “the way to go for improving your club.” This offseason, Chicago’s Patrick Sharp and St. Louis’ T.J. Oshie have been rumored to be available.”
Beleskey heading East?
Anaheim Ducks’ winger Matt Beleskey is one of the top free agents this off-season and as such, has generated interest from a number of teams.
TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun of ESPN.com reports that number is around a dozen, with Beleskey set to make some visits this week.