Maple Leafs GM: Trade with Predators met goal of adding pick, prospect

Dave Nonis achieved some goals on Sunday.

In trading Cody Franson and Mike Santorelli - both of whom are set to become unrestricted free agents at season's end - to the Nashville Predators, the Toronto Maple Leafs' general manager was able to add what he views as key assets for the future.

"We were looking at a bunch of different options," Nonis said. "It was our goal to get as high a pick as possible and a good prospect."

Toronto acquired Nashville's first-round pick in 2015 and prospect Brendan Leipsic, who's viewed as part of the long-term plan.

Nonis added the plan is to insert veteran Olli Jokinen into the lineup, although he estimates teams may come calling in advance of the March 2 trade deadline.

In terms of the departing players, Nonis said they quite simply priced themselves out of potential extensions with the club.

With the trade deadline rapidly approaching, this might just be the beginning of the selling process in Toronto.