Toronto, ON). Toronto continued their push for the playoffs acquiring shutdown defender Anton Volchenkov and Michael Neuvirth for goalie Niklas Backstrom and prospect Derrick Brassard. The deal brings back two players who were with the Wolfpack briefly in the past. Backstrom and Brassard move to powerhouse Suffolk Fox in their chase for the HB Cup. The Fox were weak in the backup tending role with Henrik Lundqvist being dealt earlier in the year. This move should help them as well.
GM Tom Welch said," we were a little short on depth in the back end. With Mark Stuart being hurt it was more obvious. Anton fills a huge hole for us and can play top 4 minutes in an emergency role if needed with his shutdown skills. We are very happy with the deal and we reacquire Michael to fill as development goalie. Derrick has very good upside and Niklas is a solid number one goalie but these moves we believe improve our club."
In other news, Toronto signs free agent centers, Marc Savard and Steve Reinprecht to bolster their depth. GM Welch said, " With the move of Derrick to Suffolk we were short on depth at center, these signings protect us for the playoff run."
Toronto has made many moves that appear to improve there chances of making the HB playoffs and possibly winning the Canadian East Division. It is up to the competition to see what they do leading up to the trading deadline in two days.
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