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Carolina Hurricanes Defense Search: Top Five Free Agent Defensemen

By Matthew Barlowe

Oct 28, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defensemen Jaccob Slavin (74) skates with the puck during the second period against the New York Rangers at PNC Arena. The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the New York Rangers 3-2. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 28, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defensemen Jaccob Slavin (74) skates with the puck during the second period against the New York Rangers at PNC Arena. The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the New York Rangers 3-2. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 14, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Cody Franson (6) prepares for the next play against the San Jose Sharks during the third period at SAP Center at San Jose. The San Jose Sharks defeated the Buffalo Sabres 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 14, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Cody Franson (6) prepares for the next play against the San Jose Sharks during the third period at SAP Center at San Jose. The San Jose Sharks defeated the Buffalo Sabres 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Cody Franson

Cody Franson, like Del Zotto, was another surprise no sell from a team that was clearly a seller.   It’s not like Franson has played awful either.  His Corsi numbers aren’t great this year with a 49 percent, but his Relative Corsi is a 4.93 and his Relative Expected Goals percentage is 5.68.  Both are good for second and first on the team respectively.

So why weren’t more teams trying to get this guy on their team?  That’s the mystery.  The lack of demand could also affect his price in the offseason as well.  Would he be a good fit on the Carolina Hurricanes third pair?

Even with the nice relative stats, those were compiled on a very bad Buffalo Sabres team.  Even the people who watch him on a regular basis describe Franson as a “semi-mobile pylon.”  Not exactly a glowing recommendation.  Franson most likely isn’t that bad, but he isn’t anywhere near elite either.

If one thinks that three years for 3.75 million is too much then Franson most likely is out of the question.  But with Franson’s performance this year that will most likely be his new contract.  The question is if Ron Francis thinks the Carolina Hurricanes can get similar or better performance for cheaper from the prospects.  If so, then like Del Zotto it’s best to pass on the signing Franson.

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