Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
The Edmonton Oilers recently decided to put defenseman Troy Stecher on waivers, and this has proven to be great news for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
One of the biggest needs for the Toronto Maple Leafs this season has been a right-handed puck-moving defenseman. Going into the season, this was a luxury that the Leafs did not have.
Finding a defenseman who fits these criteria is almost impossible on the trade market. Furthermore, it is hard to find these kinds of guys in free agency.
Thankfully, the Leafs were given a gift by the Edmonton Oilers a couple of weekends ago when they put defenseman Troy Stecher on waivers.
Troy Stecher’s stats show the Edmonton Oilers made a mistake
According to Leafs Latest, the defenseman’s five-on-five stats are some of the best on the roster. He has been an offensive beast and is exactly what the Leafs have needed at a low cost.
🔹 Goals for: 9 (1st)
🔹 Expected goals for percentage: 63.9% (1st)
🔹 Scoring chances for percentage: 60.0% (1st)
🔹 High-danger chances for percentage: 77.7% (2nd)
🔹 Shots for percentage: 56.0% (1st)
🔹 Time on ice: 4th
In seven games with the Leafs, Stecher has a goal and three assists. This has been a revelation for the Leafs, and he continues to get better.
Head coach Craig Berube clearly likes the defenseman, as Stecher was awarded 25 minutes of ice time against the Florida Panthers.
Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers look like absolute fools right now. Stecher was a hidden gem, and they let him go to the Leafs for free.
In fact, this might just be one of the greatest waiver claims we have ever seen from general manager Brad Treliving. A great move that may have saved the season.
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Toronto Maple Leafs fleece the Edmonton Oilers with recent waiver claim
Do you believe Troy Stecher will be with the Toronto Maple Leafs beyond this season?