David Alter: Two days until the start of the non-compliance buyout period, August 2nd to 4th. There will be a 48 hour span where the Maple Leafs could buyout John-Michael Liles if they wish. If the Leafs bought out Liles, he would count against their cap for the next six years. It would give them an extra $2,583,333 this season.
David Alter of SportsNet: The Maple Leafs now have only $4.6 million left to sign RFAs Cody Franson and Nazem Kadri. Alter notes that Franson’s agent could use Zach Bogosian’s seven-year, $36 million as a comparable. That Bogosian and Franson played similar roles, with Bogosian playing over four minutes per game more, but 12 less total games. If the Leafs are able to get Franson and Kadri for around $3 million per season, they will have to make a move or two to free up some salary cap space. They could be get a decent return for Franson if they decide to move him. A Liles buyout would be a $1,291,666.67 for the next seasons if they went that route. They could try to trade while retaining some salary.
Greg Brady: The Maple Leafs signed defenseman Mark Fraser to a one-year deal worth $1.275 million avoiding arbitration. The Leafs now have eight NHL defenseman on their NHL roster at $18.75 million, with Cody Franson not included. Morgan Rielly and Jesse Blacker are not included either and they could play this season.
Adrian Dater: Dater said there is no chance that the Avalanche will inquire about Maple Leafs defenseman Cody Franson.
Steve Simmons: Cody Franson trade rumors don’t make sense to Simmons unless the Maple Leafs started them in hopes of driving down his price. Paul Ranger was on an AHL deal last season and free to sign with anyone, at any point. 18 teams contacted him but he always said no. The Kings tried to get Jake Gardiner in the deal with the Leafs for Jonathan Bernier. They moved on to Carl Gunnarsson after it was apparent the Leafs wouldn’t move Gardiner. (Kings ended up getting Matt Frattin, Ben Scrivens and a pick)
Darren Dreger: Cody Franson trade speculation will heat up. The Maple Leafs would like to keep him, but the money may be too high. Would a prospect and draft pick be fair return? Howard Berger: Mentioned last month that Franson’s name has come up in trade talk.