The curious case of Troy Stecher

Just a few weeks ago, the Toronto Maple Leafs were last in the Eastern Conference. However, over the last few games, things have seemingly been coming together. Dennis Hildeby is playing very well. Scott Laughton has revitalized the fourth line. The Leafs are 6–2–2 in their last 10 games, and are two points back from a playoff spot. But even more, they are playing good hockey as a team.

One of the revelations during this time has been waiver pick-up Troy Stecher. With the injuries to Brandon Carlo and Chris Tanev on the back end, Stecher has seemingly hit a gear that has been long since forgotten. In this article, let’s take a look at Stecher and how he has played for the Leafs over the last several weeks.

The curious case of Troy Stecher

Stecher was not drafted by an NHL team, being passed over for three consecutive NHL Entry drafts. He returned to the University of North Dakota to play another two seasons. In his last season, Stecher had a career high of eight goals and 21 assists for 29 points in 43 games. This earned him a two-year entry-level contract with the Vancouver Canucks ahead of the 2016–17 season.

In Stecher’s first NHL season with the Canucks, he scored three goals and 21 assists for 24 points in 71 games. Pretty decent production in his first year. Unfortunately, this would end up being his career high in points so far in his 10-year NHL career. Over his 286 career games with the Canucks, Stecher scored 11 goals and 64 assists for 75 points. Stecher then bounced around five NHL teams, including the Detroit Red Wings, the Los Angeles Kings, and more recently, the Edmonton Oilers, before being picked up off waivers by the Leafs.

Stecher has shown glimpses of his potential throughout his career. However, it seems that Stecher never quite reached the offensive ceiling that he might have had. But not every defenceman needs to be a prime Erik Karlsson. While we may never see Stecher’s dirty dangle that led to the overtime winner against Russia in the 2021 IIHF World Championship at the NHL level, he’s still very serviceable.

Stecher’s recent play

Ahead of the 2024–25 season, Stecher signed a two-year deal with the Oilers with an AAV of $788K. In his first season with the Oilers, he played 66 games, where he scored three goals and registered four assists for seven points. Clearly not the offensive output that both Stecher and the Oilers were looking for, but Stecher played more of a shutdown role.

However, Stecher seemed polarizing in Edmonton. Some loved him, others did not like his playoff performance in last year’s Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers. In all fairness to Stecher, he hasn’t played a playoff game since the 2021–22 season. That being said, being benched by your coach is not a good look.

To start the 2025–26 season, it seems that the Oilers’ depth pushed Stecher out of a job, having only played six games before being waived. However, among all the teams Stecher played on during his career, they point to his tenacity and willingness to battle. This is something that the Leafs are desperately trying to embed into the fabric of the team with mixed results. And given the slew of injuries, the Leafs needed a defenceman, especially a right-handed defenceman. So, the Leafs put their money on Stecher.

Are we witnessing a redemption arc?

Stecher has been a breath of fresh air since being claimed by the Leafs. He brings mobility, something the Leafs’ aging defence corps lacks. He is also able to move the puck, not only in his own zone, but to the forwards on the transition. Again, this is something the Leafs’ defencemen have been horrible at doing this year, save for Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

In the 10 games with the Leafs, Stecher has one goal and three assists for four points. Assuming he stays with the Leafs for the remaining games in the season, Stecher is projected to score five goals, 16 assists for 21 points. This would be Stecher’s third-best season in his career point-wise.

I think what we’re seeing behind Stecher’s success is how he is utilized by Craig Berube. Similar to Nick Robertson, Stecher is doing better playing in a top-four role as opposed to a bottom-lineup role. In the last four games, Stecher’s average time on ice is 23:50. We’re seeing a confident Stecher not only save goals in his own end, but playing with a keen eye for offence by joining rushes, and sending outlet passes to set up odd man rushes against.

Now, Stecher is also playing for a new contract, either from the Leafs or from one of the other 31 NHL teams. The 31-year-old will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. Stecher is simply making the best with the opportunity he has been given. With Chris Tanev nearing his return, Stecher may see a reduction in his usage.

Alternatively, Stecher can be used in a trade to bolster an area of need. Either way, the Leafs have everything to gain from Stecher continuing to increase his value. So far (not to jinx it), Stecher probably has to be the best waiver pick-ups in recent memory for the Leafs. Let’s hope he continues his strong play.