Defenseman Troy Stecher is turning heads with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Despite standing just 5-foot-10, he’s carved out a reputation as one of the most reliable blueliners in the league. Toronto climbed to fourth in the Atlantic Division following a 4-3 overtime win over the Colorado Avalanche on Monday, and Stecher has been a big part of that rise.
Now, a former teammate has opened up about Stecher’s journey and the real fear he carried during uncertain moments of his NHL career.
Former Teammate Shares Concern About Stecher’s Future
Stecher’s NHL path has been anything but secure. Acquired by the Oilers at the March 2024 trade deadline, he was part of back-to-back Stanley Cup Final runs. However, his role was never truly solidified in Edmonton. After appearing in just six games during the 2025-26 season, he was placed on waivers on Nov. 15, 2025. Toronto claimed him shortly after, marking the seventh NHL organization of his 10-season career.
For Troy Stecher, those moments came with real fear about his future in the league.
Former teammate Brock Boeser, who played with Stecher in Vancouver and at North Dakota, spoke openly about how difficult that period was for him. “He was low. For him, it was like, ‘I’ve got to make it or else I’ve got to go to Europe,’” Brock Boeser said.
Boeser added that Stecher has always had to battle for his place in the league. “He needed to fight for a job and work his ass off. That’s been the story of his whole career.”
Former NHL forward Sam Gagner, who also played with Stecher in Vancouver, noted that size is the biggest factor working against him. “It was for sure a size thing,” Gagner said. “The way the league’s trending, teams are looking for size on the back end. Players like Troy get looked over.”
Thriving Again in Toronto
Troy Stecher is once again making his mark in Toronto. Since being claimed off waivers in mid-November, the Maple Leafs have posted the NHL’s seventh-best points percentage.
He’s averaging over 20 minutes per game for the first time in his career, has become a key part of an elite penalty kill, leads regular Leafs in five-on-five expected goals through 26 games, and has added nine points with a +13 rating.
“It’s hard to give yourself credit, but the one thing I’ve given myself credit for is being true to myself,” Stecher said.
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For now, Stecher and the Maple Leafs will look to keep building momentum as they face Utah on Tuesday.
