Cody Franson’s Free Agency Woes

Cody Franson is still available. That’s right; the 6-foot-5-inch, offensive-minded defenseman has yet to find a home since he became a free agent on July 1. OK, so that is only six days, but it is still very surprising for him to have not chosen a team, or even worse, for a team to not have chosen him.

Most media outlets and hockey experts put him as one of the top free agents to sign this summer. With no real star talent and a weak UFA pool, Franson seemed likely to get a good contract—and fast. He’s a defenseman, one that likes to join the rush and play two-way hockey. Quality defensemen don’t stay on the market too long, especially if they can add to a team’s offense.

What’s going on?

According to Pro Hockey Talk, Franson’s agent, Gerry Johannson, is looking for teams to show his client the money.

"Johannson believes Jeff Petry’s new six-year, $33 million extension is the right “ballpark” for his client as he heads into the open market. Petry’s deal includes a full no-movement clause in the first three years of the deal and a 15-team no-trade clause for the final three years."

This can be the reason general managers are weary.

Franson did have a good season last year, posting 32 points in 55 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs and 36 points in 78 games. Yes, his performance dipped last year after a trade. Franson, who was traded to the Nashville Predators, was only able to tally one goal and three assists in 23 games. Overall, in the 400 games he has played in the NHL, Franson has recorded 35 goals and 169 assists— that’s pretty decent.

But it seems his recent performance slip and the type of contract he is looking for may be the two biggest factors in his free agency woes. Not only that, but it seems as if general managers are being more cautious this summer.

"Only two players ended up signing a contract that was at least five years in length and worth at least $20 million (Andrej Sekera received $33 million over six years from the Edmonton Oilers, while Michael Frolik was given $21.5 million over five years by the Calgary Flames). There were seven such contracts signed on the first day of free agency just last summer. Some that are already looking like mistakes, or at least not what the team expected to get in return for that type of investment. —Adam Gretz, CBS Sports"

So, not many GMs are willing to dish out the dough, and if Franson wants security (both through movement clauses and money), as well as longevity, he may not find too many teams willing to bite. Matt Beleskey, so far, is the only free agent to get more than a three-year deal (he got five). A majority of free agent signings have been one-year deals. That should give you a look into the mindset of many GMs. They aren’t pushing the long-term. They want the freedom to be able to move or get rid of players that don’t perform.

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I believe with so many teams feeling a cap crunch, general managers are just not looking to sign players (unless they are Rick Nashs, Steven Stamkos, and Patrick Kanes) to long-term deals. General managers are realizing, in an unpleasant way, the consequences of overpaying or over-committing to players, especially ones that are good or even great, but not spectacular. It takes a lot to field a Stanley Cup-caliber team, and GMs cannot put all their resources into a couple of players; teams need depth to make a deep run.

Really, teams just can’t afford to give all the players the deals they want. Franson is a good defenseman. He has size, skill and the ability to produce points. He will be a valuable addition to a team. But he may have to come to terms with the fact that he is not a rarity in the eyes of GMs. He isn’t something people fawn over and others will eye with jealously. Overall, he’s just a good hockey player.

If he eases up on the years and even the movement clause then it is more likely he will get a deal that is both fair and respectable. There is no reason, based on his talent and age (he’s only 27), that he should still be unsigned.

Next: Capitals Putting Together Strong Offseason

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