Franson has had a nice year in Chicago but the emergence of Jordan Oesterle made him disposable to the Blackhawks. However, clearing waivers increases his trade value for a team interested in acquiring him because now he can be assigned to the AHL if need be. Don’t be surprised if he gets traded in the next few days.
Franson has picked up seven points (1G / 6A) in 23 games with the Blackhawks this season. The right-handed defenseman has a +9.2 relative Corsi this season, the best among all Blackhawks skaters. The emergence of Jordan Oesterle has apparently made Franson expendable. Franson will likely be claimed.
Franson recorded one assist with two shots on goal in 16:41 TOI in his Blackhawks debut on Tuesday, but will be replaced by Connor Murphy tonight vs. Minnesota. Franson saw some time on the Blackhawks’ second PP unit, so look for Ryan Hartman to take that spot back tonight as Franson comes out of the lineup.
The Blackhawks had to wait until they moved Marian Hossa to LTIR to announce the deal, but they bring Franson to join a mostly inexperienced blueline. Franson spent the last two seasons with the Sabres, where he had five goals and 19 assists (24 points) per 82 games, but missed a combined 37 games. His value will hinge on how much power-play time he gets in Chicago.
Franson is dealing with an undisclosed ailment and will miss tonight’s game in Detroit. With Franson out, Casey Nelson has been called up from Rochester to fill-out the blueline.
Franson has missed the last four games with a bone bruise on his foot, but will return to the lineup vs. the Blues this afternoon. Franson has three goals and 13 assists (16 points) in 51 games and will skate with Josh Gorges.
Franson was expected to miss 2-3 weeks, but has only missed four games over the last week and is expected to play either Saturday vs. the Blues or Sunday vs. the Blackhawks. The Sabres play tomorrow afternoon, so expect an update around 11a.m. ET.
Franson has missed the last three games with a mid-body injury, but will return to the lineup tonight vs. the Bruins. Franson will replace Dmitry Kulikov in the lineup, who comes out with a back injury. Franson has one goal and seven assists (eight points) in 31 games this season.
Franson missed Monday’s practice with a maintenance day. He is battling an undisclosed injury and is questionable for Wednesday’s game vs. the Maple Leafs. If Franson is unable to play, expect Carlo Colaiacovo to be inserted into the lineup.