The Toronto Maple Leafs organization has a history of signing promising talent and developing them with their American Hockey League affiliate Toronto Marlies in the hopes that one day they will graduate and blossom into a prime National Hockey League player.
Growing up in Bedford, New Hampshire, Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Alex Steeves has been making waves in the hockey world with his impressive play in the American Hockey League this season and his dedication to improving his overall game.
At 24 years old, Steeves is a forward that has showcased his potential over the past three seasons, bouncing between the Leafs and Marlies.
Steves, known for his versatility on the ice and his ability to contribute in various situations, has never been able to make a full-time jump into the line-up for the Leafs. However, with injuries, depth consistency and possibly even pending trades on the horizon for the “Buds”, it may be time for Steeves to remain with the big club for the time being.
The Toronto Maple Leafs Should Try Alex Steeves
One aspect of Steeves' game that would be extremely beneficial is his hockey IQ. He has a keen understanding of the game's nuances. This allows him to anticipate and create plays on the fly which is something the bottom six have been struggling with greatly.
One way or another, Steeves has been able to generate opportunities for the Marlies and his statistics this season show it, boasting a statline of 19 Goals and 21 Assists for 40 Points across 39 Games. Sure, this may not translate instantly into scoring, but it will keep the puck out of the offensive zone while his line is on the ice.
Speaking of defence, Steeves doesn’t lack in that category either. Steeves is not afraid to backcheck and play hard in the defensive zone. Additionally, his relentlessness and work ethic to dig pucks loose and get into passing lanes to disrupt the opposing team's chances is something that Toronto desperately needs with their defence taking a hit due to either suspensions or injuries.
Analyzing Steeves' performance using advanced statistics further underscores his potential as a future NHL player. Metrics such as Corsi For Percentage (CF%), Expected Goals For Percentage (xGF%), and Zone Entries provide further depth into his impact on the ice.
Steeves can consistently contribute favorable numbers in these categories, indicating his ability to drive possession and generate scoring chances for his team. Although they may not be “superstar” numbers, we can chalk that up to limited ice time with the Leafs in his first few seasons.
Looking ahead, the future appears bright for Alex Steeves. With that said, Leafs management and coaching should incorporate Steeves into the bottom six where they see fit. Steeves could be the jolt this lineup needs and provide the team with a solid depth option going forward as they strive for success in the games remaining this season.