Why Edmonton media believe Troy Stecher can help the Maple Leafs' blue line
Photo credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
The Edmonton media were disappointed that the Maple Leafs claimed Troy Stecher off waivers, believing he could be a solid asset on the blueline.
On Saturday afternoon, the Toronto Maple Leafs made a roster acquisition adding Troy Stecher off waivers as a means to give themselves not only insurance while they deal with injuries, but a puck-moving defenseman who can help ease the burden on Morgan Rielly and Oliver Ekman-Larsson.
Though he wasn't able to join them for their game against Chicago, there's a chance he could suit up for the team Tuesday against St. Louis.
What Edmonton writers say Troy Stecher will bring to the Maple Leafs
His addition may have gone a bit under the radar compared to some of the other potential moves being discussed, though for the Edmonton media -- they hate to see him go.
One Maple Leafs fan noted that the media out west was not too keen on losing Stecher to their Ontario rivals:
A deeper look at social media shows that the fan's comments aren't too far off.
First, Sportsnet senior columnist Mark Spector praised Stecher's work ethic on social media, and also the Maple Leafs for bringing him aboard:
So long Troy Stecher, as competitive a battler as ever I've covered.
He's small, gets less than 15 points a season, and somehow has carved out a 566-game NHL career.
Seven teams later, someone still wants him. And the Leafs will be better for the pick-up.
He's small, gets less than 15 points a season, and somehow has carved out a 566-game NHL career.
Seven teams later, someone still wants him. And the Leafs will be better for the pick-up.
Following that, Oilers radio broadcaster and host of Oilers Now Bob Stauffer also gave credit to Stecher's professional nature, and wished him the best in Toronto:
Big fan of Troy Stecher.
During his time as an @EdmontonOilers he was a consummate professional who punched above his weight class.
Competed every shift!
Best of luck to him in Toronto.
During his time as an @EdmontonOilers he was a consummate professional who punched above his weight class.
Competed every shift!
Best of luck to him in Toronto.
The general consensus at least regarding Spector and Stauffer's comments is that Stecher is a professional who works hard every shift regardless of his role, and that while he may not be a household name -- he's carved out a decade-long career.
How Stecher realistically fits into the Maple Leafs' blue line
Now the attention turns to where Stecher fits into Craig Berube's plans, though there's room for him to come in and make an impact.
Right now, the team is using depth guys like Dakota Mermis and Philippe Myers while Chris Tanev is out, but they don't spark much offense and struggle at times defensively.
Stecher could help alleviate some of that, and while his point total has dropped recently; his early career numbers paint a different picture.
In his first four seasons, Stecher had 75 points in 286 games (11 goals, 64 assists) but also added 322 hits and 307 blocks proving that he can help at both ends of the ice.
Stecher is a candidate to replace either Myers or Mermis in the lineup, both who were in the lineup while Brandon Carlo was unavailable -- they needed a body.
With Carlo presumably returning Tuesday, that will give Toronto their shutdown defender to replace Myers, while allowing Stecher to take over for Simon Benoit and give the team more punch.
Here is how a prospective defensive group could look:
This gives the team a clearer mix of playmakers and shutdown defenders, while also making sure each group has both a left and right handed shot in the proper places.
While he won't get into the lineup every day as Craig Berube will no doubt tinker with his lineup throughout the season, there's a lot to appreciate about the versatility and mindset that Troy Stecher is bringing in.
A hard-working player with no issues about doing whatever it takes to help the team win, which is something the Maple Leafs have clearly been searching for early this season.
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