Pack continue losing streak...add pop with Smyth.

Toronto, ON. - Today Toronto traded second line left wing Jochen Hecht, checking forward Kyle Calder, and a 2009 4th round selection to Edmonton for sniper left wing Ryan Smyth, two-way forward Jason Williams, and checking center Jiri Novotny. This transaction came as Toronto is mired in a 4 game losing streak. Recent games against New York, Vancouver, Quebec, and Montreal have seen an average of nearly 5 goals a game against per game. You would think maybe a defensive upgrade or goalie was to blame, but GM Tom Welch disagrees, "we had the opportunity to add a top shelf forward for our 1st or 2nd line, and also bloster our PP which has been a concern all year. We are confident our defense and goaltending will improve and help turn around this losing streak".

The addition of Jason Williams and Jiri Novotny may provide Toronto some depth for the future as current contracts expire at the end of the year. Williams has some scoring upside and Novotny may prove to be a solid 4th line checking forward.

Jochen Hecht and Kyle Calder leave after an unproductive campaign in Toronto. This was Calder's second tour of duty in Toronto, but could not crack the lineup on many nights.

The deal adds significant payroll and commitment for Toronto with Ryan Smyth's recent lucrative deal in unrestricted free agency this past off season. Welch said," we understand the financial ramifications of this deal and have prepared ourselves financially to absorb the additional payroll".

Coach O'Reilly commented on the acquisition, " anytime you can add a quality forward like Ryan you have to think long and hard about it. We need to play better defensively as a team, from the backend out, Ryan should be able to solidify our two-way checking game."