The Chicago Blackhawks announced today that they have agreed to terms with defenseman Cody Franson on a one-year contract that runs through the 2017-18 season.
A native of Sicamous, British Columbia, Franson notched three goals and 16 assists in 68 games with the Buffalo Sabres last season. The veteran blueliner has recorded 205 points (42G, 163A) in 527 games over the course of his National Hockey League career spanning eight seasons with the Nashville Predators (2009-11, 2015), Toronto Maple leafs (2011-2015) and Buffalo (2015-17).
He was originally drafted by Nashville in the third round (79th overall) of the 2005 NHL Draft. He registered career highs in assists (29) and points (36) during the 2014-15 season as a member of the Maple Leafs and Predators. On January 17, 2017, Franson skated in his 500th career NHL game against Toronto. Franson shared second on the Blackhawks this preseason with four points (1G, 3A) in three games.
The Blackhawks begin the 2017-18 regular season at the United Center on Thursday against the Pittsburgh Penguins at 7:30 p.m. That game can be seen on NBC Sports Chicago, streamed live online at NBCSportsChicago.com (NBCSportsChicago.com/BlackhawksStream) and the NBC Sports app, and heard on WGN Radio.
Blackhawks agree to terms with Franson
