Stecher previously spoke about how he’d like to remain with the Maple Leafs, after joining the team off waivers in November.
“It was great, and I have really fond memories of playing here. It’s a world-class organization, and who knows what’s going to happen here in the off-season with all the changes we’ve had,” Stecher said during a May 27 episode of Leafs Morning Take. “I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, I hope I’m back. I really enjoyed being a Leaf, and I’ll just leave it at that.”
Stecher joined the Maple Leafs on November 15, and spoke about playing with a chip on his shoulder upon meeting Leafs reporters for the first time.
“It’s my tenth year [in the NHL], and it’s my seventh team, so I just want to prove people wrong and more than anything prove myself right. That’s where it comes from internally,” Stecher said.
Stecher’s relentless competitiveness and mobility was a much-needed element for a Maple Leafs team that often functioned as one of the NHL’s worst defensive teams. Although Stecher was brought in as a stop-gap option initially, his ability to facilitate easy zone exits and control play against bottom-six opponents made him a valued member of Toronto’s defence corps.
It’s clear that John Chayka and head coach Jim Hiller value mobility on the blue line, and this is where Stecher provides some value, particularly as a No. 6 or No. 7 option. Toronto is expected to tender a qualifying offer to Emil Andrae ahead of the 5 PM deadline, a player that boasts similar strengths as a speedy, diminutive defenceman.