The Chicago Blackhawks on Monday waived veteran defenseman Cody Franson.
The Blackhawks had been carrying eight defensemen. The emergence of Jordan Oesterle, 25, as a top-pairing partner of Duncan Keith as well as the improved play of third-pairing defenders Gustav Forsling and Jan Rutta made Franson expendable.
But it was seen as a curious move as Franson, 30, met the expectations that were placed on him after joining the Blackhawks on a professional tryout contract in the preseason.
Via espn.com
