Alex Steeves
Steeves has been in the Leafs system for three years now with his entry-level deal about to expire.
However, he is still only 24 years old and has proven himself enough at the AHL-level to deserve a shot whether it be with the Leafs or elsewhere.
Through 188 games with the Marlies he has scored 69 goals and 85 assists for 154 points and this season hit a career high 57 points in 65 games.
Despite his high AHL production, it feels likely that he would be more of a depth piece with the big club as either a 13th forward or in a bottom-six role.
His skating and scoring ability can make him a decent contributor in that role with the possibility of moving up the lineup in a pinch. If he can adapt to a more puck retrieval role, he could definitely move himself into a useful cheap option for the Leafs.
This would give them more freedom to invest more in other positions throughout the roster. Mainly for this reason, this may finally be the year he breaks through though he could once again find himself on the outside with the Leafs logjam.