from Chris Johnston of Sportsnet,

After creating a much-needed roster spot by sending Mike Brown to Edmonton for a conditional draft pick on Monday morning, Nonis hinted that he would continue to be patient heading into the April 3 trade deadline.

"I think from where we are right now as a team we're going to try to look long term with anything we do," he said. "I wouldn't say we wouldn't make a move to try to help our chances, but primarily our focus is on trying to improve our team for the long term."

That is the same practical approach Nonis has preached since replacing Brian Burke on Jan. 9.

However, with the Leafs currently among the top eight in the Eastern Conference, the pressure is bound to mount if they remain in the hunt at the end of March. After all, Toronto owns the NHL's longest playoff drought at eight-plus years -- a major black eye on an organization that currently has a mandate to restore some pride to the sweater.

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