The NHLPA has ratified the new CBA, now the NHL and NHLPA will sign off on the pre-CBA document known as a Memorandum of Understanding. Two hours after the ink is dry on the MOU, player signings and trades can begin in preparation for the new season.
For the Leafs‘ part, they are expected to announce the signing of defenceman Cody Franson to a one-year deal for a shade over a $1 million: A cheap one-year re-up to bring the right-hander back from Sweden in time for camp and have him compete for the spot vacated by Luke Schenn. Failing Franson’s ability to crack the lineup, this is still a win as the Leafs retain possession of a tradable asset.
It is also a cap-friendly figure for any cap-strapped teams looking to off-load a goalie with a big contract and wouldn’t mind a right-handed depth defenceman included in the deal. If there happened to be a team out there into that sort of thing.
Teasing, of course. Or am I?
