Former Leafs defenseman announces his retirement and reveals his next career choice
A former Toronto Maple Leaf has officially announced that his pro hockey career is coming to an end. Ex-Leafs blueliner Cody Franson is retiring and has announced his plans to step behind the bench for the Iowa Wild of the AHL as an assistant coach.
"Coaching is something I have wanted to do for a long time and I am excited to get started. I am looking forward to contributing to player development and working with Coach [Brett McLean.]" - Franson on stepping behind the bench with the Minnesota Wild's AHL affiliate
The 36-year-old last played professional hockey during the 2021-22 season with the Hershey Bears of the AHL. In 62 games with the Bears Franson scored 9 goals and 35 points.
Drafted 79th overall in the 2005 draft, Franson would spend parts of ten seasons in the NHL with the Nashville Predators, Toronto Maple Leafs, Buffalo Sabres and Chicago Blackhawks.
Franson's best statistical season was during the 2013-14 season in Toronto, when he scored 5 goals and 28 assists for a total of 33 points in 79 games. He has expressed some regret about his choice to leave Toronto as well.
POLL |
DECEMBRE 28 | 925 ANSWERS Former Leafs defenseman announces his retirement and reveals his next career choice What is the Leafs' biggest deadline need? |
Top 6 forward | 31 | 3.4 % |
Bottom 6 forward | 24 | 2.6 % |
Defenseman | 526 | 56.9 % |
Goaltender | 344 | 37.2 % |
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