Overview
- Edmonton waived Stecher in mid-November after six low-usage games, and Toronto claimed him when reported trade efforts drew no interest.
- Since joining the Leafs, he has played eight straight games with heavy usage, including a team-high 24:23 in Carolina and over 24 minutes in each of his last three.
- Stecher produced a recent three-game point streak and four points in four games while stabilizing a pairing with Jake McCabe.
- Head coach Craig Berube praised Stecher’s confidence and composure, noting what he called instant chemistry with McCabe.
- Toronto is 5-2-1 with Stecher in the lineup, and multiple reports suggest his impact could shift GM Brad Treliving’s trade focus toward forward help as injured defenders work toward returns.