This was the first-ever Maple Leafs training camp for Alex Steeves, and it’s safe to say it was a glaring success.
The Maple Leafs were always going to be a tough roster to crack, especially this season, with the likes of Nick Robertson, Denis Malgin, Adam Gaudette, Zach Aston-Reese, Joey Anderson, and Pontus Holmberg all in the mix. But the 22-year-old looked like he could fill an NHL role, if needed.
Steeves got a chance throughout last season to show Toronto what he had — playing three games in early December. Although he only averaged eight minutes of ice time throughout the three games, it was still a great opportunity to show the Maple Leafs’ brass what he had.
The 22-year-old recorded his first point during that stint, while playing on the fourth line. A good omen for a player who put in a lot of work down in the AHL.
During this training camp, though, Steeves didn’t take the opportunity for granted. He impressed a lot of people, including Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe, and even stuck around for the second last round of cuts.
Steeves scored three points in the five preseason games he played. The 22-year …

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Author: Nick Barden / The Leafs Nation