Cody Franson
Cody Franson could make a great addition to the New York Rangers defense in absence of Smith.
Franson played last season with the Buffalo Sabres but has bounced around to a couple of places in his career. This year he tallied 19 points in 68 games and added a nice corsi for of 50.4%. Corsi measures what percentage of all shots taken were for Franson’s team when he was on the ice.
The Sabres were shopping Franson this year at the deadline as a rental because he is a free agent this summer. Some rumors even pinned the Rangers to Franson back in March.
Franson is a financially responsible option for replacing Smith. Last year his cap hit was just under $4.0 million per year but that will certainly be lower next year.
The Rangers wouldn’t be asking all that much of a guy like Franson. His numbers suggest he would be a great fit as a bottom four defenseman. Smith would play a similar role.
If the Rangers go on without Smith, they should certainly look to sign a guy like Franson in his place.