Did Troy Stecher Inadvertently Save the Maple Leafs Draft Hopes?

In the third period, with the Maple Leafs leading against the Dallas Stars on Monday night, defenseman Troy Stecher (battling for the puck near his own net) swiped at it and accidentally backhanded it past goaltender Artur Akhtyamov, tying the game at 5-5.

What was a massively frustrating moment for Stecher has become a light at the end of the tunnel moment for Leafs fans.

Dallas went on to win 6-5. The own goal was credited to a Stars player (Arttu Hyry), but it was clearly Stecher directing it in. Fans immediately praised Stecher, suggesting he understood the assignment and was there to help the Leafs tank.

Why It Might Have “Saved” The Maple Leafs Draft Hopes

The Leafs traded their 2026 first-round pick to the Boston Bruins in the Brandon Carlo deal (top-5 protected). If Toronto’s pick lands 5th or better after the draft lottery, they keep it (and Boston gets a later pick instead). If it falls to 6th or worse, Boston gets the 2026 1st. After the loss, the Leafs can’t pick lower than sixth.

Leafs fans have been openly rooting for the Maple Leafs to lose and land in the bottom five for the best odds of retaining the pick via lottery protection. The own goal helped Dallas secure the win, keeping Toronto from gaining points and helping them slide/maintain the 5th-worst position in the standings. Combined with LA’s win (upgrading the Laughton conditional to a 2nd for Toronto), it was seen as a perfect storm for asset management.