Report: Maple Leafs unwilling to meet Franson's salary demands, trade likely

Add Cody Franson's name to the list of defenseman likely to be made available prior to the NHL's March 2 trade deadline.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are unwilling to pay Franson what he's likely to command on the open market as an unrestricted free agent this summer, according to Darren Dreger of TSN.

If the defenseman appears likely to explore his options as a free agent in lieu of re-signing with the club, he's expected to be dealt. He could fetch a nice return considering the demand for right-handed defenseman.

Franson, 27, leads the team in points by a defenseman with six goals and 23 assists in 46 games, contributing 14 points on the man advantage.