Pittsburgh Penguins: 5 Potential Free Agent Targets

Mar 31, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Nashville Predators defenseman

(44) after a goal during the first period agains the Vancouver Canucks at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Cody Franson

Before you say it, I understand that the Pittsburgh Penguins have a ton of young defensemen.  But, how much can we rely on them to carry the burden throughout the entire season and playoffs?

I’m a huge fan of Cody Franson’s game, and he would compliment Kris Letang very well.  This is a guy that should be near the top of Jim Rutherford’s list this summer, despite having the surplus of young defensemen in the system.  Also, if the Pittsburgh Penguins do acquire top-six talent in a trade as Rutherford said, there’s a good chance a defensive prospect will be moving out in that deal.

Franson, with his mix of size, puck skills, and average physicality provides the Penguins with a more talented and more groomed version of what they traded away in Simon Despres.

I was disappointed when the Pittsburgh Penguins didn’t make a valiant effort at acquiring him in a trade this past season.  Maybe this time they’ll come through for me.