Cody Franson's agent, Gerry Johansson, is in Toronto for a few days this week meeting with his pending unrestricted free agent client.

It’s also possible that the Toronto Maple Leafs have an offer for Johansson on Franson at some point soon, but I would highly doubt it’s going to match the parameters in terms of dollars and seasons of what Franson and his camp believe they can get on the open market on July 1. And they’re probably right.

It goes without saying that, if there’s no chance of getting a deal done, the Leafs will shop Franson ahead of the March 2 trade deadline. And believe me a right-handed, top-four blueliner will garner big-time interest.