Ex-Leafs forward who couldn’t crack the roster suddenly playing top line minutes for his new team

Photo credit: Wendell Cruz Imagn Images

Former Leafs prospect Alex Steeves was passed over while in the Leafs’ system, but is currently playing top line minutes for his new NHL team, the Boston Bruins.

Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Leafs, Steeves joined the organization for the 2021-22 season. While he did make his NHL debut that same year, he only managed to get into the Leafs’ lineup three times.

Steeves overlooked by Leafs for years

During his four seasons with the organization, Steeves proved he had an ability to contribute offensively, tallying 216 points in 247 regular season games with the Toronto Marlies.

The now 25-year-old was continuously passed over when opportunities arose with the Leafs, playing in a total of 14 games in four seasons with the team in a predominantly fourth-line role.

While he began the season with the Providence Bruins, posting 8 points in 9 games, injuries have given the Minnesota native a huge opportunity with Boston.

It appears that for the third game in a row, the 25-year-old Steeves will line up on the Bruins’ top line with Elias Lindholm and sudden scoring phenom Morgan Geekie.

Through 11 games with the Bruins, Steeves has produced 3 goals and an assist, including a short-handed goal that was set up by another former Leafs prospect in Fraser Minten.

It’s disappointing to see another former prospect of the Leafs having success, and seizing an opportunity, simply for the fact the Leafs just didn’t give him one. At the same time, it’s nice to see him finally getting an opportunity to succeed in a role that is better aligned with his skill-set.

Previously on Toronto Hockey Daily