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New York Rangers: Five Expansion Exposed Trade Targets

By Lou Venditti

Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-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 /

Cody Franson

Cody Franson has been linked to the Rangers since the trade deadline. Franson was a good fit then for the struggling defensive corps of the Rangers and he’s still a good fit now.

Franson has appeared in 527 NHL games for three teams, scoring 42 goals and 143 assists and he can man the power play unit and kill penalties. He’s a top 4 defenseman for most teams and would be especially for the Rangers.

Franson has been playing in Buffalo for the last two seasons and is nearing 30. He’s due for a contract renewal, if acquired, and the Rangers would have to move one of the Wonder Twins to protect him. Franson fetched north of $3 million per season with Buffalo, but he would have to take a pay cut to join the Rangers.

The Rangers already have one veteran defenseman to re-sign this offseason in Brendan Smith. Smith takes precedence over a player like Franson, but Franson could still be a nice addition to the blueline.

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