 On October 17, 2009, Franson played in his first NHL game against the Washington Capitals, notching a single shot on goal.Later that week, on October 22, Franson scored his first career NHL goal against Pascal Leclaire of the Ottawa Senators.On July 3, 2011, Franson, along with forward Matthew Lombardi, was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for Brett Lebda and Robert Slaney.