Cody Franson, Mike Santorelli to Predators: Latest Trade Details and Reaction

The Nashville Predators have acquired Cody Franson and Mike Santorelli from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for forwards Brendan Leipsic and Olli Jokinen and a first-round pick in the 2015 NHL draft, according to a press release on the team's official website.

Nashville's president of hockey operations and general manager David Poile spoke about the deal:

"

In preparation for the 2015 playoff run, our goal was to add a veteran defenseman who could play in all situations and a proven forward who could move up and down lineup based on the situation. We were fortunate to do this in the same transaction with players who are in the prime of their careers more than two weeks before the Trade Deadline in order to give them more time to contribute and gel with their teammates.

Both Cody and Mike were drafted, developed and began their NHL careers here. They know our organization and still have former teammates and friends on the roster. We are fully confident that they will seamlessly fit into our team.

"

KWilsonPreds on Twitter noted that Franson and Santorelli will wear No. 44 and No. 10 respectively.

Franson, a defenseman, has scored 32 points (six goals, 26 assists) in 55 games this season, while Santorelli has 11 goals and 18 assists in 57 games. Franson was selected 79th overall in the 2005 NHL entry draft by Nashville, while Santorelli was drafted 178th overall by the team in the 2004 draft.    

Leipsic has seven goals and 28 assists with the AHL's Milwaukee Admirals this season, while the 36-year-old Jokinen has three goals and three assists in 48 games. The Maple Leafs' additions of Leipsic and a first-rounder were clearly made with an eye toward the future.

Bob McKenzie of TSN broke down the trade from Nashville's perspective:

For the Predators, this deal is all about bolstering the defense and the roster as a whole for a run at the Stanley Cup this spring. The team currently sits atop the Western Conference and has the most points in the NHL, but wasn't afraid to give up some serious assets to improve its chances of taking home the Cup this season. 

Franson might simply be a rental, as he'll be an unrestricted free agent this summer, but if he and Santorelli can bring the team a championship, it's hard to imagine the Predators ever having buyer's remorse even if Franson signs elsewhere after this season.