It appears that Cody Franson will be able to re-join the Toronto Maple Leafs if and when the NHL owners decide they're through locking out their players. That's good news for the Leafs, since, in Franson's case, they hold the rights to a valuable asset, who could possibly even hold second pairing potential.
As usual, James Mirtle has the straight goods:
A source with knowledge of how the situation would work indicated that because Franson currently does not have an NHL contract, he wasn’t required to sign a deal with a built in "out" once the lockout ended.
Once he has come to terms with the Leafs, however, there’s an agreement that will allow him to leave Brynas.
So that's good.
To be honest, I have to say that I'm surprised at how many links there are this morning, given that there isn't any hockey being played right now. It's great.
TSN PodcastCentre
James Mirtle and Jonas Siegel chat about what it's like to be a Leafs beat reporter during the lockout. It's good to hear their side. Admittedly, this is from a week or so ago, but it's still good listening.
A reminder to tweet me links for the FTB
Honestly, if you've got a hockey-related site, please send SkinnyFish, birky, Bower Power or I a link.
It's KHL Fun Time!
Some awesome photochops from Yakov Mironov of Grabbo and Kulemin.
We Want A Cup Headlines
This is the first time we've linked to their website, so I've just linked to the main page. There is a bunch of stuff you haven't read, here.
Vesa Toskala has officially retired
Wish he hadn't waited to make it official for so long. I'd swear he was on vacation for his last full season as a Leaf. Tweet from @jhiitela.
NHL Average Career Length
You know, the NHLPA is fighting for a very diverse group of hockey players. From Quanthockey.com.
NHLers European Statistics Made Easy
Dirty Dangle has a compilation of how NHLers are doing abroad so far in their respective European seasons.
Let the abusing of Rick St. Croix begin!
Our very own 1967ers has a bit of perspective on the Leafs' new goaltending coach.
5 Things You'll Miss Saying Thanks To The Cancelled NHL Preseason
1. Hockey 2. Hockey 3. Hockey 4. Hockey 5. Hockey
Krys Barch: Twitter rant inspired by eight or ten OV and a bottle of port
James Mirtle has the Devils' enforcer's tale.
Marlies looking to help Maple Leafs implement new defensive system
"Randy and I go way back, we’ve got a great relationship, and that’s not going to change," said Eakins. Story from James Mirtle.
Katz ‘didn’t consider’ how Oilers fans would feel about threat to move team
Idiot. From Dean bennett at the CP via the Globe.
The Kadri fat flap: Legitimate concern or fitness fanaticism?
James Mirtle has some good perspective on the situation.
Francois Allaire may be gone, but his style will stay
Kyle Cicerella points out that a few goalies in the Leafs' organization will carry the torch.
Leafs in Wonderland
Ha. From Steve Dangle at The Leafs Nation.
Cody Franson signs somewhere (who really cares?) and 15 Leaf thoughts
Hahahah, oh Mike Langlois, you hit the nail on the head.
Can Kadri Follow in Pacioretty's Footsteps?
The latest from Five for Fighting.