Maple Leafs’ Alex Steeves scores 1st career NHL goal vs. Hurricanes

Steeves made his NHL debut during the 2021-22 season, with 11 career games have spanned across four seasons. He hasn’t been able to find consistent playing time after each call up, but after his showing in the first period against the Hurricanes, the conversation could certainly have a different tone this time around.

After Steeves got the Maple Leafs on the board, he wasn’t done there. Steeves tallied a secondary assist as David Kampf finished off a slick pass from Steven Lorentz on the door step to make it 3-0 at the time for Toronto, finishing with two periods during the first period as the Maple Leafs rolled into the intermission with a 4-0 lead.

Steeves played 3:21 of the first period, and also registered one hit. Playing a depth role for a Craig Berube-led hockey club, it will be important for Steeves to be as physical as possible, and show off an NHL work ethic.

With the Toronto Marlies this season, Steeves has recorded a team-leading 46 points in 40 games, and has consistently produced at the AHL level. Last season with the Marlies was Steeves’ most productive of his professional career, as he finished his year with 57 points in 65 games.

Being in on two goals in the first period after the 4 Nations Face-Off break will certainly get Berube’s attention, so it will be important for Steeves to continue the momentum. With a very fluid bottom-six in Toronto, Steeves has a chance to put his name in the mix.

For now, he’ll soak this one in. You never forget your first.