Report: Leafs, Franson likely to avoid arbitration with 'last minute deal' prior to hearing Monday

With Cody Franson and the Maple Leafs set to gather Monday for an arbitration hearing, word out of Toronto is that an agreement on a new contract for the 26-year-old defenseman will be announced before their meeting.

At the same time, Mirtle adds he believes the "Leafs intend to move Franson though. Lot of decisions up in the air, even come training camp."

Read more: 3 things you need to know about Cody Franson's salary arbitration hearing

As previously reported, the two sides were believed to be $2.2 million apart heading into the weekend (see below); the likely scenario is an agreement to meet somewhere in the middle on a short-term contract.