Photo credit: Sergei Belski – Imagn Images.
A former Vancouver Canucks defenseman opened up recently about his career, joining the Toronto Maple Leafs and how his dreams of bringing a Stanley Cup to B.C. ended.
After three seasons at the University of North Dakota, the Vancouver Canucks agreed to terms on an entry-level contract with Richmond, British Columbia native Troy Stecher, who became an instant fan favourite.
Instead of signing Stecher or even extending a qualifying offer to retain his rights, the Vancouver Canucks opted to do neither and the young blueliner became an unrestricted free agent, where he would eventually put pen-to-paper on a deal with the Detroit Red Wings.
Ex-Vancouver Canuck Troy Stecher shares how dream of wanting to bring Stanley Cup to B.C. ended
During a recent edition of Blue Print, a behind-the-scenes series produced by the Toronto Maple Leafs, Troy Stecher opened up about his career so far as he’s already reached the ten-season mark in the National Hockey League.
When speaking about his time with the Vancouver Canucks, Stecher shared that being from British Columbia, he wanted to do whatever it took to bring a Stanley Cup to the province, but that fall, the club essentially decided that they were done with him.
“I had a lot of goals and dreams to bring a Stanley Cup to the city, and you wake up one morning, and it’s like, yeah, we’re kind of done with you, and on to the next organization. So this business doesn’t owe anybody anything.” Stecher said.
After appearing in 286 games with the Vancouver Canucks – the most he’s played with a single team in his career thus far – Stecher has gone on to suit up for the Detroit Red Wings, as mentioned, along with the Arizona Coyotes, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers and now, the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Earlier this season, the Maple Leafs claimed Troy Stecher off waivers from the Edmonton Oilers and so far, it’s worked out really well for him as he’s put up 11 points (three goals, eight assists) in 38 games, the most he’s had in a single season since his first year with the Detroit Red Wings.
If Stecher is able to continue his strong play for the rest of the 2025-26 season, perhaps we’ll see the Toronto Maple Leafs try to keep him before he hits the unrestricted free agent market starting on July 1st.
Previously on Vancouver Hockey Daily
POLL
1 HOUR AGO|63 ANSWERS
Former Canucks fan favourite opens up on how a dream of bringing the Stanley Cup to Vancouver ended
Do you think the Vancouver Canucks should’ve signed Troy Stecher in the fall of 2020?