Maple Leafs Make Surprising Roster Move By Recalling Standout Forward

3 days ago  /  NHL Trade Rumors

The Toronto Maple Leafs have made a strategic move by recalling forward Alex Steeves from the Toronto Marlies, and it’s easy to see why. Steeves has been lighting up the American Hockey League (AHL) this season, leading the league with 29 goals in just 40 games and ranking third in overall scoring with 46 points. He’s also tied for the most power-play goals in the AHL with 11. At 25, Steeves has already cemented his legacy with the Marlies, becoming the franchise’s all-time leader in goals and points.The Maple Leafs have recalled F Alex Steeves from the Toronto Marlies (AHL).— Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) February 18, 2025Despite his AHL dominance, Steeves has had limited opportunities in the NHL, appearing in just 11 games with the Maple Leafs, including four earlier this season. While he’s yet to make a significant impact at the NHL level—recording only one career assist—his consistent production in the AHL suggests he’s ready for a bigger role.  ALEX STEEVES, FRANCHISE RECORD HOLDER ONCE AGAIN!! 95 GOALS AND COUNTING AS A TORONTO MARLIE 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ZwmVMsVlId— Toronto Marlies (@TorontoMarlies) February 8, 2025Steeves’ journey to this point has been impressive. After a standout collegiate career at Notre Dame, he signed with the Maple Leafs as an undrafted free agent in 2021. Since then, he’s been a consistent performer in the AHL, amassing 98 goals and 102 assists over 228 games. “It’s all about perspective,” Steeves told the Toronto Sun on Feb. 6. “On the inside, I’m an extremely ambitious person who wants more. But I’m also grateful for what I have with the Marlies, and I know that — on the surface, it’s frustrating to not be getting more of a look up there — I’m in a great spot, and I’m controlling what I can to get better every day.“It’s staying patient and continuing to get better every day, working with coaches, working with my teammates and my time will come. I find solitude in that.” Steeves has won a championship, broken records, and established himself as one of the league’s top players. Now, with the Maple Leafs in need of offensive depth, Steeves has another chance to prove he belongs in the NHL.Whether Steeves slots into the lineup against the Hurricanes may depend on the health of Auston Matthews, who has been dealing with recurring upper-body issues this season. Matthews is currently representing Team USA at the 4 Nations tournament but is expected to return for the championship game against Canada on Thursday. If Matthews is sidelined, Steeves could get his shot to showcase the scoring prowess that has made him a star in the AHL.Image - Dan Hamilton - Imagn ...

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