Line-up changes
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Bender said:
Not that it's an excuse, but he might have some time adjusting to the Toronto media. It's certainly a different experience for him than when he was in Nashville.
maplesyrup
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Bullfrog said:
I do... Heck, I didn't even start my career until I was 23 myself. Moreover, he's probably only 19-20 in T.O. media savy years.
Kin
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I'm sure Ron Wilson isn't thrilled. But the reality of the situation is that Cody Franson is no more likely to make his decisions based on what's good for Ron Wilson than Ron Wilson is likely to make his decisions based on what's good for Cody Franson. If Franson sees a year where he only gets to play 40-50 games he should make a stink and look to get moved. He's not going to earn himself any money sitting in the press box.
I see the Franson thing like this. He spoke with his emotions instead of his head, which isn't usually a good idea because things just pop out whether they are well thought out or not. He could have said something like this:
1) the starting line-up is the coach's decision
2) I thought I had a decent camp, but I'll be ready when I get my chance
3) I'm confident when I get in there and used to playing with my new team, and the Leafs system, I will play well enough to hold down a regular spot.
End of discussion. No room for the media to make a mountain out of it.
Instead, he comes across like a sense of entitlement, or almost insinuating the Wilson was either wrong or unfair. Even, if Wilson didn't communicate with him (which is just one suggestion), not really bright to make your coach look bad even if you may be honest about it. Sort of, if you don't have anything good to say, don't say anything.
Personally, I like his eagerness, he just has to become more media savvy in this market.
1) the starting line-up is the coach's decision
2) I thought I had a decent camp, but I'll be ready when I get my chance
3) I'm confident when I get in there and used to playing with my new team, and the Leafs system, I will play well enough to hold down a regular spot.
End of discussion. No room for the media to make a mountain out of it.
Instead, he comes across like a sense of entitlement, or almost insinuating the Wilson was either wrong or unfair. Even, if Wilson didn't communicate with him (which is just one suggestion), not really bright to make your coach look bad even if you may be honest about it. Sort of, if you don't have anything good to say, don't say anything.
Personally, I like his eagerness, he just has to become more media savvy in this market.
pnjunction said:
Very good summary. I remember Ian White sitting out what 7-8 games to start a season, after being a regular, and then being asked to play forward and doing it willingly and pretty good at it to boot. Because White didn't act like Franson, didn't mean he wasn't just as eager to get in the line-up.
Previous whinners about being bench - Stajan and Blake - were shipped out. I think it's time for Cody to let his play do his talking.
Saint Nik said:
I don't think airing his displeasure in the media is what's best for Cody Franson, especially in this market and before a single game had been played. I'm not sure what he planned to accomplish by doing so. If he feels getting moved is best for him then he should talk to his agent.
Jake Gardiner is probably going to sit out the Flames game and he probably isn't happy about it, but his comments to the media are more appropriate in my opinion:
Gardiner OK with sitting Saturday 7
If Franson had said something along the lines of this, he'd probably still be getting into the line for this game, but without the added attention upon himself.
dappleganger
Active member
Our 7th D-man this year is a lot better than our 7th D-man last year.
Bender said:
I agree with your interpretation.
Video of Wilson interview (onFranson at a little past 3:00 mark)
In response to media question about Franson's concerns for playing the left side, reporter: "(is there) too much made of that?"
Wilson: "I think so. We're finding a way to build some excuses in here. He should be able to play the left side. And with the pairings that we have, we're not going to change up too much."
I don't entirely agree with a dman switching sides without impact. If you've always played one side, there's an adjustment to go through. It's not mindboggling but it's different enough at the NHL level where hesitation or being a little more inaccurate passing on a new angle can wind up in the back of your net.
I don't think the media is making that up. Ron sounded a little miffed throughout the entire exchange.
Franson's 24 with four pro seasons under his belt - not entirely a kid. Wilson is old school. Franson should know better. Now, he's going to get a quick hook if he messes up rather than a few games to establish himself.
Franson has made his bed ...
GhostofPotvin29
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Stupid week off.
Moot Point
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The long week off did not help the Franson situation. Too much free time to make stupid comments.
leafplasma
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Yes the week off is totally ridiculous, especially at the beginning of the season. I mean you gear up to start the season, play two games then your off at the worst possible time. Mid point of the season I could stomach this way easier. I can sense the tension throughout Leafs Nation, lets hope we channel this aggression productively. I feel a let down Saturday though unfortunately. Oh and if Franson doesn't shine, he has screwed himself with those comments, eager or not, I don't care, he just set himself up for potential disaster in the eyes of Leaf fans.
moon111
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The scoreboard at the R.C.A.F. arena said 0-4 in the 3rd. I was wondering if it was done on purpose. Maybe a reminder of how their performance almost cost them the game against Ottawa?
I know a few fans haven't been happy with this break in the action. But the moral at C.F.B. Trenton hasn't been good. I can't remember how many times I had to setup barricades for sombre repatriation ceremonies when I worked there. Seeing that hearse rolling down the 401 is sad. Knowing that sweet little girl in your wife's girl guide unit lost her father is depressing. Then the shocker of all shockers, the Base Commander ends up being a sicko/serial killer. People were spitting on military personal. Although most military personal I've met make okay dough, it was pride that made them join. Lately it's been pretty thankless.
The Leafs got a couple of games to find things in their game they needed to work on. They got to practice, bond, and maybe more importantly, give thanks when it's really needed.
I know a few fans haven't been happy with this break in the action. But the moral at C.F.B. Trenton hasn't been good. I can't remember how many times I had to setup barricades for sombre repatriation ceremonies when I worked there. Seeing that hearse rolling down the 401 is sad. Knowing that sweet little girl in your wife's girl guide unit lost her father is depressing. Then the shocker of all shockers, the Base Commander ends up being a sicko/serial killer. People were spitting on military personal. Although most military personal I've met make okay dough, it was pride that made them join. Lately it's been pretty thankless.
The Leafs got a couple of games to find things in their game they needed to work on. They got to practice, bond, and maybe more importantly, give thanks when it's really needed.
Hockey_gal
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Moot Point said:
I have to agree. Leafs play Tuesday or so and this might not be a big issue.
Kin
New member
Deebo said:
Which assumes that he hasn't spoken to his agent in addition to this which is probably a tough assumption to make at this point.
But either way, I didn't say that what Cody Franson did is the best thing he could do for himself. I said that he's not going to be basing his decisions on what's best for Ron Wilson. The Leafs, as an organization, have done nothing for Franson so his self-interest is understandable. From his perspective he was coming off a year where he was playing regularly and having success, got dealt, and is now sitting in the press box so I completely understand his being unhappy.
Honestly, I don't think his comments are going to mean much in the grand scheme of things. Either he'll play well or he won't. That's what will determine whether or not he's in the line-up or not and whether fans take a shine to him.
Deebo said:
There's a pretty substantial difference between a rookie trying to break into the league and his perspective on playing time and a guy who's been a regular being demoted back to 6th/7th status. Gardiner, talented as he is, would probably face a similar apprenticeship with any team in the league. Franson, coming off the season he just had, would probably be comfortably ensconced in a good number of the league's line-ups.
This is the downside of the "depth" that some people were talking about with regards to the Leafs' D. You can't stash legitimate NHL'ers in the press box and expect them to be happy.
maplesyrup
New member
Bazinga!
Saint Nik said:
He said he did talk to his agent, what I meant was, that should have been it. He said his agent told him to be patient and that he has to win his job back. He should have took his agents advice and been patient, it was pretty obvious he'd get into a game pretty soon.
Saint Nik said:
I didn't say you said it was the best thing he could do for himself. I just said if he thought it was, he's mistaken. I don't know what he hoped to accomplish. If he wants to act in his own best interests, that's fine.. I just don't think this was in his best interests.
Saint Nik said:
I agree, I personally don't care what he says to the media but he and his agent should know what kind of reaction it'd get in this market.
Saint Nik said:
I don't expect them to be happy about it, I just think it's better for the player to be professional about it. I agree that his play on the ice will ultimatley decide what role he plays here but I don't think complaining to the media, especially after 2 games benefits anyone involved.
maplesyrup
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I'm really excited to see him perform go tonight. I think he knows (or ought to know) he's got to show something tonight. He's probably a little luck here that Gardiner (while okay) hasn't lived up to his pre-season hype.
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