Franson was the lone bright spot for Buffalo in a 7-2 beatdown at the hands of the Canadiens on Friday, recording two assists.

EDGE Analysis

The rearguard somehow skated to an even rating despite the carnage going on around him while picking up his first points of the season. Franson is far from the best fantasy option on Buffalo's blue line given the emergence of Rasmus Ristolainen and the impending return of Zach Bogosian (lower body), but the 28-year-old has a couple 30-point seasons under his belt and is worth marking down on watch lists in deeper leagues.

Franson returned to practice Tuesday after taking a maintenance day on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Franson should be good to go Wednesday against Toronto, his former team. He has yet to score a point in five games this season, but continues to be a staple on the power play. He's worth keeping an eye on in fantasy leagues given his offensive potential. Consistency continues to be the biggest problem, however, with six shots on goal against Columbus bust just one shot in his next two games.

Franson took a maintenance day Monday and coach Dan Bylsma indicated that he's day-to-day.

EDGE Analysis

It's unclear exactly what sidelined Franson on Monday, but it seems likely he's just dealing with some soreness. The Sabres don't play until Wednesday, so there it's still quite possible he'll be available for the contest against the Maple Leafs, but his presence, or lack thereof, at practice Tuesday and morning skate Wednesday should provide a bit more light on his potential availability.

Franson played a team-high 24:18 and scored an assist on Jack Eichel's game-winning goal in a 3-2 win over Minnesota on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Playing on the top pair with Mike Weber, "Franny" looked very much as advertised, moving the puck with poise and contributing at both ends of the rink. With Rasmus Ristolainen (lower-body) out for the short-term, Franson moves up the depth chart behind Zach Bogosian. Though the Sabres' defensive pairs have yet to be determined, Franson looked very comfortable with Weber, whose stay-at-home style complements Franson's offensive inclinations. If Franson continues to contribute offensively, he could be an under-the-radar commodity in fantasy.

According to General Manager Tim Murray, Franson is expected to be a big help on the Sabres' power play, reports the Olean Times Herald.

EDGE Analysis

Murray cited Franson's shot from the point and his overall offensive skill as keys to improving Buffalo's power play, which ranked last in the league the previous season. Though Franson will likely play on the second or third pairing on even strength, he'll likely lead all Buffalo defensemen in ice time on the power play, which makes him a potential sleeper in fantasy. The Sabres attack was revamped and will have newcomers Evander Kane and Jack Eichel to start the season. Franson is much better playing the right side even though fellow righties Zach Bogosian, Rasmus Ristolainen and Mark Pysyk are also expected to make the team. Franson has scored more than 30 points in each of the past two seasons and should be able to replicate that kind of success this year.

Franson agreed to a two-year deal with the Sabres on Thursday, reports TSN's Bob McKenzie.

EDGE Analysis

The deal is believed to be worth around $3.3 million per year, as one of the summer's last remaining big names gets taken off the market. The 6-foot-5 defenseman had a good start to the season last year with 32 points in 55 games, but struggled mightily after being dealt to Nashville, where he scored just four points in 23 games. The Sabres were short on veteran defensemen and had ample cap room, so it was a good fit for both sides. Franson immediately steps into the Buffalo lineup as a top-four defenseman and a power play option. He's worth considering as a late-round flyer due to his offensive potential, but the Sabres may still prefer to have Zach Bogosian and Rasmus Ristolainen log the big minutes on the right side of the defense.

Franson will play on Friday in Game 2 of Nashville's playoff series against the Blackhawks, Brooks Bratten of NHL.com reports. As expected, Franson will return to the Predator's lineup on Friday against the Blackhawks. He'll likely return to his spot on the team's third defensive pairing. Franson has tallied one goal and three assists in 23 games with Nashville this season.

Franson (upper body) expects to play Friday against the Blackhawks, Kristopher Martel of FOX Sports reports. Franson sat out Wednesday's opener due to the undisclosed upper body injury, but he told reporters Friday that he anticipates playing in Friday's Game 2. He'll likely return to his spot on the third defensive pairing.

Franson (upper body) will sit out Wednesday's playoff opener against the Blackhawks, Adam Vingan of The Tennessean reports. Franson was present for Wednesday's morning skate, but remained on the ice for extra work after the regulars departed. The 27-year-old, who contributed only one goal and four points in his 23 games with Predators after being acquired in a Feb. 15 trade, will be replaced on the third defensive pairing by Anton Volchenkov. Franson is still being regarded as day-to-day.

Franson (upper body) did not practice Monday, the Tennessean reports. Franson thus remains in the day-to-day category as Wednesday's playoff opener against Chicago approaches.