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Leafs, Franson far apart in arbitration submissions

Calgary Flames v Toronto Maple Leafs

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 1: Cody Franson #4 of the Toronto Maple Leafs makes a pass against the Calgary Flames during an NHL game at the Air Canada Centre on April 1, 2014 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Leafs defeated the Flames 3-2. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)

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If Cody Franson is going to get a deal done with the Toronto Maple Leafs, both sides may want to avoid having an arbitrator figure it out.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported both sides have made their submissions for what they believe Franson should be paid next season and they’re a bit far apart. Franson asked for $4.2 million while the Leafs believe he should be paid $2 million. That difference of $2.2 million means a hearing could get ugly between both sides.

The trick with arbitration is that a judge can settle things by picking a number in the middle or set the reward for more than what Franson asked for. Since he’s a year away from becoming an unrestricted free agent, Franson can only get a one-year decision. According to CapGeek, the Maple Leafs are currently $11 million under the salary cap.

Last season, Franson had five goals and 33 points in 79 games. He had 29 points during the lockout-shortened 2013 season. The Leafs may want to settle this before it goes to court. Then again, they attempted to deal Franson to the Montreal Canadiens for Josh Gorges only to see Gorges enact his no-trade clause.

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