Newest Toronto Maple Leafs Signing Resembles Tyler Bozak
The Toronto Maple Leafs signed Notre Dame centre Alexander Steeves on Sunday to a three-year entry level contract, AKA the next Tyler Bozak.
In order for the Toronto Maple Leafs to maximize their roster for the next few years, entry level contracts and league minimum deals are going to be very important. As a result, the most recent Steeves signing is another brilliant move for the organization.
The undrafted centre was one of 50 players nominated for the Hobey Baker Award this year after having a tremendous junior year with Notre Dame. Many teams made bids for Steeves, so the fact that the Leafs were able to sign him is exciting.
The Bedford, New Hampshire native went undrafted, but it wasn’t because of skill. At 5-foot-11, 185 pounds, his size was the underwhelming factor during his draft eligibility.
Steeve’s contract doesn’t kick in until the 2021-22 season, so if you were expecting him to jump into the NHL lineup for the stretch run, think again.
Steeves Could Be The Next Tyler Bozak
On April 3, 2009, the Leafs made a big splash signing a prospect named Tyler Bozak to a two-year deal, from the University of Denver
The undrafted centre had a number of teams bidding for him, but he ultimately chose the Toronto Maple Leafs as his new NHL home.
When Bozak signed with the Leafs, they were a terrible team. They didn’t have much depth, so he was able to get into the lineup very quickly and stay there. Paired alongside Phil Kessel for most of his career, Bozak turned into a reliable player and someone who’s had a long career ever since.
Although Steeves is younger than Bozak was when he signed in Toronto, they share a lot of similarities. Not only are both players undrafted centres, but they’re undersized and took a little time to mature and find their game.
By taking time to grow and become better players, they were able to excel at the NCAA level. Not only are both players responsible two-way centre’s, but they both have a knack for scoring.
After a slow freshman year, Steeves last two seasons were great. In 65 NCAA games, Steeves had 60 points (26 goals, 34 assists), leading his team in scoring during both campaigns (via: hockeydb.com).
Comparatively, during Bozak’s two years at Denver, he had 57 points (26 goals, 31 assists) in 60 NCAA games played (via: hockeydb.com). Since he left college and turned pro, Bozak has played in over 700 NHL games, scored over 400 points and won a Stanley Cup.
Next. Leafs Wishlist Ahead of NHL Trade Deadline. dark
Even if Steeves only accomplishes one of those three things, his NHL career would be considered a huge success. We’ll have to wait a long time to find out how this signing goes, but at the moment, it kind of feels like the Leafs found the next Tyler Bozak because the similarities between him and Steeves are uncanny.