Fellow PPPer Steve Burtch has todays' leadoff link over at Sportsnet where he discusses the value of Cody Franson, and how his value seems to be peaking just as he heads towards unrestricted free agency:

Franson’s on-ice impact and potential UFA status this summer combine to create a very unique combination, and rumours are already spreading that his camp will be seeking a deal worth $5 million-plus annually. If teams enter into negotiations with their eyes open—aware of his perceived flaws and relatively regular defensive miscues, while also understanding his overall impact vastly outweighs those negatives—a bidding war is inevitable. Unfortunately for the Leafs the past few seasons, they have been sitting on—and making an adversary of—one of the most undervalued assets in the NHL. They may well regret playing hardball in past negotiations.

Leafs Links:


Six Spreadsheet Speculations
The latest from CHL.

Siegel: Bozak breakout tied to unsustainable powerplay boom
Ayup. Siegel gets it.

My Column: December 1
Be prepared for satire from Bobby Cappuccino at TLN.

Other NHL links:

Tank Wars got much more exciting!
This article from Die By The Blade should help you feel better about the Leafs.

Marco Scandella fined for head shot on T.J. Oshie
Yep. As he should have been. Video link and writeup from Wysh.

Ed Snider blasts Flyers for paltry secondary scoring
There's fun to be had, here. Story from Wyshynski at PD.

From The Branches