Another defender is off the board, as Troy Stecher signs an extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He has signed a two-year contract worth $1.35 million per season. The 32-year-old from Richmond, British Columbia, scored 11 points in 44 games split between the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs last season. He was last claimed on waivers by Toronto in November 2025 after just six games in Edmonton.
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Stecher is 2 years and 1 way deal in Toronto, 1.35 millions per year.
— Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) June 29, 2026
Troy Stecher Signs Two-Year Extension With Maple Leafs
Stecher has won the hearts of fans wherever he has played, as his work ethic and gutsy play, despite his short stature, have been impressive. The veteran has scored 117 points (22 goals, 95 assists) in 566 career games with the Vancouver Canucks, Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, Arizona Coyotes, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, and Toronto Maple Leafs. Despite being a depth defender, the Leafs used him in a more prominent role, playing over 20 minutes a night very often.
Stecher is a highly skilled defender who can move the puck well and play with poise with and without the puck. He can be a strong veteran presence in any locker room, being a role model and leader for his hard-working style of play. Especially after the Leafs acquired Darren Raddysh to bolster their right side defensively, keeping Stecher will mean a solid improvement for their defensive corps.
How Does Stecher Fit in the Defensive System?
Stecher can be a good third-pair defensive option for the team, though he can play more heavy minutes if called upon. His straightforward, responsible game, as well as his competitive nature, make him a tough player to play against. You can never get enough of that type of grit and tenacity in today’s NHL. The Leafs are excited to give a veteran like this a shot to help bolster their depth on the backend.
Main Photo Credit: Jerome Miron – Imagn Images
