Leafs Add Horvat as Deadline Approaches

The Maple Leafs bolstered forward positions up and down the lineup on Friday as the MRFHL trade deadline is only 10 days away.

"We knew what we were looking for, and we're really happy with the guys we were able to bring in" said Maple Leafs general manager Clatyton Hansler.  "We honestly didn't think a guy like Horvy was going to come available, so when we heard from Todd in Chicago — who runs an incredible organization over there, and just unfortunately found himself in a bit of bad luck — we knew we had to jump at the opportunity."

A lot of attention has been on Toronto recently, after recently hosting the most successful MRFHL All-Star game in league history and far better than anything Edmonton, who also bid on the annual league event, could have every dreamed of putting on.  Despite the overwhelming success putting on an unparalleled event, the Leafs have struggled as of late.  Following injuries that saw both Adam Pelech and Zach Weresnki miss weeks of action, Toronto has struggled to put together wins.

"Yeah it's just really unfortunate," Horvat said in an interview after meeting the team in New York ahead of their tilt with the Rangers.  "It's not that I was watching a lot of the Eastern Conference games, but the Leafs were leading the 'Merf, we all knew they were the ones to beat, but then, yeah, blueline catches the injury bug and then things get a little wobbly.  But that's behind us now, Bo's home" the ten year veteran said with a sly smile.

The Maple Leafs also added Michael McCarron who will lineup with Jean-Gabriel Pageau and rookie Matthew Knies.  McCarron also adds another option at centre for the Buds, who now have eight options when it comes to the middle of the ice — a strength not many other MRFHL teams enjoy.

The Marlies received reinforcements as well, as centre Juuso Parssinen will play on the farm team's top line and Caedan Bankier adds depth in the event of untimely injuries through the playoffs.  Currently second in the North Division and third among all farm teams, the Marlies boast the best win percentage with a 0.684 and carry games in hand against the teams above them.

The Leafs will now turn their attention to the blueline, as Hansler stated they'd still love to add one more defensively minded piece ahead of the deadline on March 18th.