Craig Berube has a new favorite Maple Leafs player, and it's not who you'd expect
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube has been looking for a defenseman to step up, and a recent waiver claim is starting to do just that.
During the early stages of the NHL season, the Toronto Maple Leafs found themselves yearning for a right-handed puck-moving defenseman.
The Leafs couldn't generate any offense from their blue line, and with injuries piling up, it was becoming clear that the team needed some help.
A couple of weekends ago, the Maple Leafs took a leap of faith and claimed defenseman Troy Stecher off waivers from the Edmonton Oilers.
Since that time, he has played eight games and has quickly become the most beloved player on the team, with one goal and three assists in his brief stint.
Craig Berube gives Troy Stecher a ton of ice time
The fans aren't the only ones who love Stecher. Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube has made it clear that Stecher is his favorite player right now.
According to Dave McCarthy, the Leafs defenseman played over 24 minutes last night, which was first among all d-men by a large margin.
Troy Stecher led all #LeafsForever defenseman in ice time tonight at 24:23.
Two full minutes than the next closest player, Jake McCabe at 22:23.
His last three games: 23:52, 24:26, 24:23.
Two full minutes than the next closest player, Jake McCabe at 22:23.
His last three games: 23:52, 24:26, 24:23.
When Chris Tanev and Brandon Carlo eventually come back, the Leafs will have to make a tough choice, although we imagine Stecher will prevail.
He has been playing too well for the Leafs to just cast him to the side and go with someone like Simon Benoit or Philippe Myers instead.
Stecher is a beacon of light for the Leafs right now, and Leafs fans will hope that he can keep this going.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 5 | 493 ANSWERS Craig Berube has a new favorite Maple Leafs player, and it's not who you'd expect Do you believe Troy Stecher has been the best Toronto Maple Leafs acquisition this season? | ||
| YES | 442 | 89.7 % |
| NO | 51 | 10.3 % |
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