Troy Stecher's hot start in Toronto has Edmonton Oilers fans furious they let him walk for nothing
Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Troy Stecher has been a breath of fresh air for the Maple Leafs defensive group, and it left Edmonton Oilers fans frustrated that the team let him go for nothing.
When the Maple Leafs claimed Troy Stecher off waivers from the Edmonton Oilers, it wasn't a move that could be seen as a landscape-changing move for either organization. Toronto needed a puck-moving defenseman, and Edmonton had a logjam on the back end.
But Stecher's time in Toronto has been genuinely surprising as he's been able to come in and solidify the blueline, while also giving the team its much needed boost offensively.
Troy Stecher's addition to Maple Leafs lineup could be Brad Treliving's best move so far
In nine games for the Maple Leafs, Stecher has four points (1 goal, 3 assists), a plus-eight, 10 blocks and only two PIM while being on the ice for only four goals against at 5v5.
His workhorse mentality and passion has endeared him quickly to Maple Leafs fans and analysts, who are all commending the veteran for coming in and settling down the defense; especially with Chris Tanev and Brandon Carlo injured.
Maple Leafs fans are loving what Stecher is bringing to the table too, as their appreciation on social media is rampant.
It's not guaranteed that Stecher will continue on his torrid pace, but if he can at least keep a steady and reliable presence on the back end for Toronto, the team is going to benefit.
Oilers fans frustrated at losing Troy Stecher
But while Leafs Nation is ecstatic about having Stecher, Oilers fans are furious. Not at Stecher, but at the team themselves for letting him go.
Stecher went from being a bit player in Edmonton to a featured defender in Toronto, and the results have spoken for themselves so far. What irks fans the most though is that if he was going to be leaving, why didn't Edmonton try and get something for him?
Fans are wishing that Stecher was back in the fold in Edmonton, but the general consensus is that everyone is happy for the veteran blueliner.
With Edmonton losing five of their last nine games, there's a possibility Stecher being in Edmonton still would have helped them through that stretch, and could be another cause for the fans getting frustrated.
For now though, they are going to have to accept that Troy Stecher is a Toronto Maple Leaf, finding himself a new home with a lot more opportunity to play. It's all a part of the business, but it doesn't make things any less aggravating.
Previously on Hockey Patrol
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 9 | 1303 ANSWERS Troy Stecher's hot start in Toronto has Edmonton Oilers fans furious they let him walk for nothing Do you think Troy Stecher is Toronto's best addition this season? | ||
| Yes | 1184 | 90.9 % |
| No | 119 | 9.1 % |
| List of polls | ||