There’s talk in Toronto about the possibility of bringing back first-time unrestricted free agent Cody Franson.
But Sportsnet’s Doug MacLean believes the Maple Leafs should focus their attention on a different UFA: Anaheim Ducks forward Matt Beleskey.
“He’s a guy to pursue in the off-season,” MacLean told Sportsnet 590 The Fan’s Dean Blundell & Co. “He’s had a great year, he’s a battler, he’s a physical presence.”
The 26-year-old left winger and pending UFA’s 32 points this regular season (22 goals, 10 assists) has been followed by an explosive playoffs, no doubt adding to his value.
LISTEN: Doug MacLean on Dean Blundell & Co.
MacLean says a do-it-all forward like Beleskey could warrant a deal in the range of $3 to 5 million.
Beleskey’s eight points so far this spring include a five-game goal streak that saw him score in each game of the Ducks’ second-round series versus the Calgary Flames.
The Windsor, Ont., native has also scored the game-winning goal three times — including Monday’s overtime winner to lift the Ducks past the Blackhawks in Game 5 of the Western Conference final.
“If you’re going to rebuild, he’s a young guy… he’d be a good pickup for the Leafs.”
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As for the idea of Franson making his return north, MacLean isn’t sure that’s such a good idea.
“I don’t believe in that — when you trade a guy and then bring him back,” he said. “I just don’t think it’s ever the same. I think you just move on.”
The Maple Leafs traded Franson back to his first NHL home, the Nashville Predators, on Feb. 15 in a deal that also included pending UFA Mike Santorelli in exchange for Olli Jokinen, Brendan Leipsic and a first-round pick.
Franson, 27, has expressed on a few occasions his interest in returning to Toronto. He also told a Vancouver radio station he’d be keen to play for the Canucks.
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“I don’t know what happened to him when he went to Nashville, but he certainly wasn’t the same player,” MacLean said of Franson’s flat playoff performance. “Hopefully he gets a good deal.”
