LEAFS MAY HAVE A HIDDEN GEM IN ALEX STEEVES

Team: 2022-23 Toronto Maple Leafs

Initial Creation Date: Aug. 23, 2022

Published: Aug. 23, 2022

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Kyle Dubas and the Toronto Maple Leafs may have uncovered a hidden gem when they signed Alex Steeves to a three year entry level deal in March 2021 after he was coveted by multiple NHL teams after playing three years in the NCAA for the University of Notre Name.

Hayley Wickenenheiser, Toronto's director of player development commented last year after watching Alex Steeve's in his first pro development camp that he looks like a pro player on the ice.

Alex Steeves wanted to dominate after his first pro development camp when he joined the Toronto Marlies in the AHL last year and was on fire to start his first season with 14 points in his first 13 games and had a great first pro season with 23 goals and 46 points in 58 games.

Kyle Dubas recently commented after the Leafs season that he wouldn't put it past Alex Steeves to have a big offseason and steal an NHL roster this fall.

There is not many flaws in Steeve's game as he is a great skater, has incredible speed and a lethal shot with a lightening release and tremendous accuracy.

Alex Steeves plays 5x5, PP and PK and is an incredible run and gun player and burns opponents when they make mistakes. He also uses his elite speed on the back-check and has a strong hockey IQ which makes him a very valuable two-way player similar to a Mitch Marner.

There is not much to dislike about Alex Steeves as he plays hard, scores goals, great at both ends of the rink, is incredibly consistent and looks ready to claim a roster spot starting on the Leaf's new and superior fourth line this season. He looks like an brilliant signing by Kyle Dubas and a hidden gem for the Toronto Maple Leafs with huge upside.