Maple Leafs Forward Has One Last Chance to Prove He Belongs, Per Insider

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Chris Gerics
November 16, 2024 (11:10)

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According to one NHL insider, it's do or die for Maple Leafs forward Alex Steeves. He has to show that he is more than just an AHL sensation and prove he belongs.

When the Maple Leafs called up Alex Steeves on an emergency basis, not many thought that he would play much. He's earned himself a spot in the lineup and while he hasn't exploded like he has in the AHL, it's only a matter of time until he does.

However, if you were to ask Steeves about it, he's not only confident but he's betting on himself too. The Maple Leafs extended Steeves this summer and it wasn't too much of a surprise to the 24-year old. Speaking to David Alter of The Hockey News, Steeves was confident in his ability on the ice:

«I guess the reason it didn't surprise me is because I would have qualified me,»

Call it cockiness, call it bold, there's no arguing with the results from Steeves thus far in his AHL time. With 166 points in 198 games, he is ranked second all-time in Toronto Marlies history in that regard, only behind long-time Maple Leaf Kris Newbury. He's also second all-time in goals behind Ryan Hamilton and has consistently shown he deserves a look.

Steeves is also impressing Maple Leafs fans with his heart, showing the tenacity both fans and Craig Berube want to see.

Who is Alex Steeves?

He'll probably be the first to tell you he's a future NHL star, but beyond that, the 24-year-old is a physical 6'0, 200-pound forward who has a combination of physicality, offensive potential, and aggressiveness that has allowed him so much success so far.

«I made the AHL All-Star game on my entry-level deal, produced a ton in the American League. I think I provide a combination of physicality and doggedness, with some skill and scoring punch that I think teams should want. And, I think they should have qualified me, so I wasn't surprised, and I'm glad they did.»

After signing with the Maple Leafs in 2021 after a standout career in the NCAA with Notre Dame, Steeves made his debut in the NHL later that year, and recorded his first point in his third game, but has only played eight total in the NHL through various call-ups.

Steeves has been a huge reason for the Marlies' recent success, and he hasn't done much to show that he can't hang in the NHL if given an honest shot. But with him so close to breaking the Marlies record, he's focused on making it in the big leagues, but he'll be on the history watch too.

«I didn't know about it until the beginning of the year when they were filming a lot of stuff, and I say with no salt or anything like that, hopefully, I never play an American League game again. But if I do, yeah, of course, I'm going to try to break that record the next time I'm in.»

He has a chance to break out this season if given a good look, and he would be able to take over for Nick Robertson, considering his lack of production if the Maple Leafs wanted to part ways with their polarizing winger.

But if he doesn't end up breaking in and finding a consistent spot in the lineup, Steeves won't fret. He'll continue to dominate on the Marlies and knows that when the time is right, he'll get his shot.

«For me, it's kind of just biding my time and coming to accept that, obviously, I want to be here. I chose to be here, and I've been really loyal up until this point, this is my fourth year here.

But at the same time, whether or not it happens for me here, I just need to focus on the things I can do. I think I'm going to have a long NHL career.»

The only thing Steeves can do is continue to impress, and adding a few goals to his NHL resume will only strengthen his case for a roster spot. His loyalty deserves to be rewarded, as he has given Toronto so much in his time here. No matter where he ends up, the future is looking bright for Alex Steeves.