Berube's comments on Troy Stecher suggest he's pushing another Leafs defenseman out of a roster spot
Photo credit: Charles LeClaire Imagn Images
Troy Stecher has been a pleasant surprise since the Leafs claimed him on waivers, and Craig Berube's most recent comments suggest Stecher may have stolen another defenseman's job.
Claimed off of waivers from the Edmonton Oilers on November 15th, 31-year-old British Columbia native Troy Stecher has been a surprisingly solid addition to the Leafs' blueline.
Without the injured Brandon Carlo, and after Simon Benoit had to step away for a personal matter, Stecher was thrust into a top-4 role, and has thrived next to Jake McCabe.
The 10-year NHL journeyman has stood out with the Maple Leafs early, and played a big role in the Leafs' 7-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins over the weekend. That success has since continued.
Stecher shines in expanded role against Panthers
Picking up where he left off on Saturday, Stecher scored his first goal of the season and added an assist in just over 24 minutes of ice-time, finishing a +4 against the Panthers on Tuesday.
It was his third straight game with a point and now has 4 points in his last three games with the Leafs.
Berube impressed with Stecher in short Leafs tenure
Following their best game of the season, a 4-1 win over the defending Stanley Cup Champions on Tuesday night, Berube was very complimentary of Stecher.
"He is playing with a ton of confidence right now. He is very composed. He and McCabe look like they have instant chemistry right now, which is great. They are moving the puck extremely well...This guy is a highly focused hockey player. He is very team-oriented. He brings a lot of energy to our team and a lot of pace to our team back there."
Without Carlo and Chris Tanev, Stecher has taken full advantage of the opportunity to play a more significant role for the Leafs than he would have been playing for the Oilers.
Berube's comments suggest that once they are fully healthy on the blueline, that Stecher may have forced someone out of a regular spot in the lineup. It's not difficult to see that the struggling Simon Benoit might be that player.
Although Benoit did have an excellent season and post-season last year, he has not looked as effective for most of this season, so seeing him spend more time in the press box would be understood by Leafs Nation.
Fortunately for Stecher, neither Tanev or Carlo are expected back any time soon, so he can continue to play the role in which he has excelled so far. He's certainly making the most of his increased ice time, and I'm sure he, Craig Berube and his Leafs teammates, along with the rest of Leafs Nation, is hoping that it continues.
Previously on Toronto Hockey Daily
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 3 | 524 ANSWERS Berube's comments on Troy Stecher suggest he's pushing another Leafs defenseman out of a roster spot Do you think Troy Stecher's recent play has pushed Simon Benoit out once the team is at full health? | ||
| Yes | 247 | 47.1 % |
| No | 142 | 27.1 % |
| It depends on if he can continue this way | 135 | 25.8 % |
| List of polls | ||