IceHogs: Cody Franson Returns To Rockford For 2021 AHL Season

The Rockford IceHogs have signed former Chicago Blackhawks’ defenseman Cody Franson to a 1-year AHL contract.

The Rockford IceHogs are bringing Cody Franson back to their roster after he spent two seasons in the KHL. The 6-foot-5, 33-year-old veteran defenseman signed a 1-year, $1,000,000 AAV contract with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2018, even though he was sent down to Rockford, playing just 23-games with the Blackhawks.

Franson played 37-games in Rockford, including 13-games in the AHL playoffs, where the IceHogs lost in the Western Conference Final.

Franson scored 9-goals and 19-assists for 28-points with the IceHogs, along with 6-goals and 7-assists for 13-points in the playoffs.

During the last two seasons, Franson has played for the Avangard Omsk of the KHL. He has 43-points in 98-games with the Omsk.

Cody Franson is the oldest player on the IceHogs, as he is expected to provide a leadership role to the young players with apserations of making it up to the NHL someday. He’ll be an important player for the young defensemen in Rockford especially, as the Blackhawks are looking to rebuild their defensive core over the next few seasons.

As Ian Mitchell, Nicolas Beaudin, Lucas Carlsson, and Dennis Gilbert mature as players, it’ll be nice for them to have Franson there as a leader in the locker room.

"Chicago Blackhawks Need To Be Patient With Ian Mitchell"

The hope is for Mitchell to play for the Blackhawks at some point this season. Beaudin, Carlsson, and Gilbert all have the potential to have a bright future in the NHL, as well.