Ex-Edmonton Oilers defenceman Stecher playing massive role for Maple Leafs

Troy Stecher has quickly made a good impression with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The 31-year-old began the 2025-26 season with the Edmonton Oilers, but struggled to get into the lineup. The Richmond, B.C. native dressed for just six games before being placed on waivers in mid-November, where he was scooped up by the Leafs.

The Oilers coaching staff didn’t appear to have much confidence in Stecher, as he averaged less than 14 minutes of ice time in those six contests. Since going to Toronto, it’s been a much different story.

Stecher has been in the lineup for all eight games since joining the Maple Leafs, and he has by no means been eased in. In fact, he’s logged north of 23 minutes in each of the Leafs’ past three outings, and is averaging 19:11 minutes in total.

Stecher’s arrival has allowed the Leafs to give nights off to Philippe Myers and Simon Benoit, both of whom have struggled this season. And, while normally getting by thanks to his relentless work ethic, the veteran has displayed some great offensive instincts in recent weeks.

Prior to Thursday’s outing versus the Carolina Hurricanes, Stecher found himself on a three-game point streak, during which time he racked up a goal and three helpers. The strong play at both ends of the ice has allowed him to play in a top-four role alongside Jake McCabe, a pairing which head coach Craig Berube seems to be quite fond of.

“He is playing with a ton of confidence right now,” Berube said. “He is very composed. He and McCabe look like they have instant chemistry right now, which is great. They are moving the puck extremely well.

“When you talk about pace, Stecher plays with pace out there. He closes on people, he skates, and he gets up the ice. He is doing a lot of good things.”

Toronto is Stecher’s seventh NHL stop, following stints with the Vancouver Canucks, Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, Arizona Coyotes, and Edmonton.

The Leafs, who were struggling immensely to begin the season, have gone 5-2-1 in the eight games Stecher has suited up for. Based on the team’s success, he doesn’t figure to be coming out of the lineup any time soon.

The Oilers were reportedly searching for a trade partner to bring in a return for Stecher weeks prior to waiving him, but were unable to garner any interest.

Though losing Stecher may not have appeared to be a big loss for the Oilers at the time, it’s a move they may be regretting right now with how well he’s fared in Toronto. It’s worked out great for the Leafs, who were able to add a player who’s been highly impactful while losing nothing in return.

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