Leafs Trade Cody Franson To Predators for First Rounder

Fantasy Impact: The Toronto Maples Leafs have traded defenseman Cody Franson and forward Mike Santorelli back to their original franchise. The Nashville Predators give up a 2015 first-round draft pick, prospect Brendon Leipsic and a money dump (also known as “Olli Jokinen”)

The Leafs get: great return on both players who would be unrestricted free agents on July 1. We’re all familiar with the value of a first rounder, and Leipsic is a solid prospect who reminds me of Kris Versteeg in that he has similar scoring upside – but could also be an effective and gritty checker. Right now, given his production in the AHL (second on Milwaukee in scoring) as well as the likely available opportunities with the Leafs over the next couple of seasons, you can pencil him in as a possible scoring-line candidate.