Leafs finalizing Bobby McMann trade on deadline day

NHL insider David Pagnotta confirmed the Toronto Maple Leafs are finalizing a deal involving the 29-year-old winger this afternoon.

It is a massive shift for a player many expected to sign an extension just weeks ago.

Management clearly reached a breaking point in contract negotiations. Reports suggest McMann was hunting for a deal in the $5 million range, a number the Leafs simply couldn't stomach.

The gritty forward has been a rare developmental win for the organization. After carving out a role in the Show, he tallied 19 goals and 32 points through 59 games this season.

He was held out of the lineup for the last two games for roster management reasons. Watching from the press box in street clothes against the Rangers was the final signal that a move was imminent.

Toronto is officially in seller mode after a disastrous six-game losing streak. They already shipped Nicolas Roy to Colorado yesterday, and McMann is the next domino to fall.

While the destination remains under wraps, several contenders are desperate for his size and speed. Edmonton and Tampa Bay have both been sniffing around the versatile winger for weeks.

Brad Treliving is prioritizing future assets over overpaying for middle-six depth. The asking price has been high, with the Leafs reportedly holding out for a first-round pick or multiple seconds.

The team desperately needs to replenish a cupboard that has been emptied by years of aggressive buying. This season has forced a harsh reality check on the current core.

Losing McMann hurts the locker room, but the business side of the game took over. It is a cold, calculated move to ensure the team doesn't lose a valuable asset for nothing in July.

With the 3 p.m. deadline looming, the paperwork is being processed. The blue line and forward group will look drastically different by the time the puck drops again.

Also read on Blade of steel :
Los Angeles Kings trade recent acquisition in deadline shocker and Corey Perry has a new home