This under-the-radar acquisition by Maple Leafs is paying huge dividends

"However, little would they know that it would be an under-the-radar transaction during the 2025-26 regular season that is turning out to be the move that has been paying off the most. Early on in the season when the Leafs were hit with injury woes for their blueline, they went out on the waiver wire to nab Troy Stecher from the Edmonton Oilers in mid-November. That acquisition has become critical for the Maple Leafs' current success."

"Since coming over to Toronto, Stecher has provided some much-needed grit and physical play from the right side while stabilizing the bottom-four defensive pairings as a result. On top of that, the 31-year-old veteran has registered a 51% CF%, an impressive 56% expected goals rate and a 53% scoring chances rate in 5-on-5 situations, tilting the ice in the Leafs favour whenever he came off the bench."

"More surprisingly, Stecher has been effectively chipping in offensively as well, recording two goals, five assists and a plus-11 in 22 games played with the Leafs after being held pointless with the Oilers. That has included his clutch game-tying goal against the Winnipeg Jets on New Year's Day to help Toronto to an amazing 6-5 come-from-behind win after trailing 4-1 at one point in the game."

During the past offseason the Toronto Maple Leafs made trades for Matias Maccelli, Dakota Joshua, and acquired Nicolas Roy. An under-the-radar waiver-wire pickup of Troy Stecher from the Edmonton Oilers in mid-November has become critical after injuries hit the blueline. Since joining Toronto Stecher has provided grit and physical right-side play while stabilizing the bottom-four defensive pairings. The 31-year-old registered a 51% CF%, a 56% expected-goals rate and a 53% scoring chances rate in 5-on-5. Stecher has also tallied two goals, five assists and a plus-11 in 22 games, including a game-tying goal in a 6-5 comeback win.

Read at Editor In Leaf