Tribute Alex Steeves was shot out of a canon and is here to stay.

[notbias]

I think after posting on HF for so long I've learned something: cynicism is not wisdom.

You can call it optimism if you like. Steeves could fall in the Mango Johnsson category, or he could be a Bobby McMann type. I'm not saying he's elite. I am saying that if he keeps playing like he did, he could stay with the big team. He's had a solid season with the Marlies and now he looks like he belongs with the leafs.

All you have to do is look at Robertson as a comparison. He is propped up by fans' hopes, but also by his pedigree. I honestly thing fans just want to see Steeves as an undrafted plug, and not give him a chance.

Sure.

If Holmberg keeps playing like he played last night he could lead our team in scoring one season.

Steeves has shown nothing in all but 1 of his games (he has 12 so far).

Bringing up Robertson when he has proven 10x more than Steeves is a bad comparison, he's propped up by showing something in more than a single game at the NHL level.

No one wants to see Steeves fail, but we have a larger sample size of him not being good enough for the NHL, I think people are just cautiously optimistic after a single game.

I know more will have to be added to those two. But I rather give up Steeves than Cowan. I look back to how we used Anderson in a trade to get McCabe right? I hope we do something similar with Steeves and avoid trading one of Cowan or Minten.

I don't think either players holds much value, especially in comparison to Cowan, I assume a 1st+ would be going along with them.

McCabe I also think grew playing here, I think the original thought from most was that he is a #5/6, he now looks like our best D.

I think getting McCabe value will be a hard thing to do in general.

 

[ULF_55]

Those two are not getting an impact C...



Ah yes, let's ship out the younger player, who has performed better over their career, has way more potential, and has performed better this season, because of one game.

Steeves has not beaten out a single player for a job that had one before the last game... He's played well in 20% of his games this year, this isn't his first call-up.

This convo may be had at some point, but it is premature.

Do you think moving Robertson would be premature?

 

[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

I can tell you where AHL Kadri is. AHL Nylander, and AHL Woll too!

Nylander and Kadri didn't need the AHL, especially Nylander and everybody knew that while he was down there, he was only down there because the Leafs were tanking Nylander was more then good enough to be on that team.

Leo Komarov was an all star and you think Nylander needed the AHL? no he didn't

 

[notbias]

Do you think moving Robertson would be premature?

View attachment 981539

Is this Steeves' career?

23 years old

25 years old

I am saying that I think people getting excited about a 25 year old figuring it out after a single good game, are a bit premature, and I think it is odd that they want to give up on a 23 year old who has shown more over their career than that 25 year old.

Also, Robertson's terrible stretch matches up well with Domi's... assuming we are all for dumping Domi too?

 

[Ianturnedbull]

Sure.

If Holmberg keeps playing like he played last night he could lead our team in scoring one season.

Steeves has shown nothing in all but 1 of his games (he has 12 so far).

Bringing up Robertson when he has proven 10x more than Steeves is a bad comparison, he's propped up by showing something in more than a single game at the NHL level.

No one wants to see Steeves fail, but we have a larger sample size of him not being good enough for the NHL, I think people are just cautiously optimistic after a single game.



I don't think either players holds much value, especially in comparison to Cowan, I assume a 1st+ would be going along with them.

McCabe I also think grew playing here, I think the original thought from most was that he is a #5/6, he now looks like our best D.

I think getting McCabe value will be a hard thing to do in general.

This is the cynicism I'm talking about.

Nylander and Kadri didn't need the AHL, especially Nylander and everybody knew that while he was down there, he was only down there because the Leafs were tanking Nylander was more then good enough to be on that team.

Leo Komarov was an all star and you think Nylander needed the AHL? no he didn't

What? Don't misquote me. You're talking like you are in management and know what is said in meeting rooms. You have no idea.

 

[notbias]

This is the cynicism I'm talking about.

What? We are judging players by one game and forgetting the rest of them, aren't we?

 

[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

This is the cynicism I'm talking about.


What? Don't misquote me.

All I'm saying is Nylander is not the example you want to use because he didn't need to be there and EVERYBODY knew it Management, fans, reporters, Nylander himself EVERYBODY knew it

 

[Ianturnedbull]

What? We are judging players by one game and forgetting the rest of them, aren't we?

No. I attend games. I've seen Steeves play several times this season. A close friend of mine goes to all the games. I don't post this stuff because I want to get a rise out of Leaf fans. He's playing really well. He overlapped last night with Nylander and Tavares. Granted he had limited minutes at the end (holding a lead), but he deserved to be there.

 

[BraveCanadian]

Surprised it took this long for them to give him a shot when most of the bottom 6 has been useless offensively

 

[arso40]

Four seasons, 12 games and, now, one goal. Alex Steeves gets Leafs rolling in win over Hurricanes

The Maple Leafs scored four goals in the first period, including prospect Alex Steeves’ first NHL goal, as Toronto beat the Carolina Hurricanes 6-3.

www.thestar.com

Best Quote:

“I thought (Steeves) was hard on the forecheck,” Leafs coach Craig Berube said. “He plays a simple game. It’s direct. That’s what I like about it. He worked hard and did a lot of good things. And he has the ability to score a goal.
“We’re happy for him.”

My Dude,

You think it's just one game, but it's not. He has exploded in the AHL / Marlies. He's exactly what TOR needs for depth scoring.

He's here to stay...

Was it you that said Hes an ahl player?

 

[arso40]

I don’t see him resigning with the leafs. It has the Joey Anderson kind of vibes and Joey ended up getting traded. Which I think could happen to Steeves. He’s just never gonna get consistent top 9 minutes with Knies and McMann here.

Why not sounds like 3lw/rw is open

 

[Ianturnedbull]

There's an undercurrent of Robertson apologists here (IMHO).

 

[francis246]

Why not sounds like 3lw/rw is open

I think Jarnkrok is skating again and there’s also Robertson. Then if they get a. Center, Domi is moving to the LW

 

[notbias]

No. I attend games. I've seen Steeves play several times this season. A close friend of mine goes to all the games. I don't post this stuff because I want to get a rise out of Leaf fans. He's playing really well. He overlapped last night with Nylander and Tavares. Granted he had limited minutes at the end (holding a lead), but he deserved to be there.

Congratulations, but attending games and having friends who attend games does not make you an authority, it is a terrible argument and irrelevant.

Which of the 11 other NHL games that you or your friend attended did he play well in?

The AHL is not the NHL, we have still yet to see if he will be an NHLer.

He played really well in 1/12 NHL games, I am saying it is fine to be excited but it is premature to declare him anything.

Surprised it took this long for them to give him a shot when most of the bottom 6 has been useless offensively

He had 4 other games this year where he was also useless... 1st call-up seemed right for him.

 

[ULF_55]

Is this Steeves' career?

23 years old
View attachment 981541

25 years old
View attachment 981543

I am saying that I think people getting excited about a 25 year old figuring it out after a single good game, are a bit premature, and I think it is odd that they want to give up on a 23 year old who has shown more over their career than that 25 year old.

Also, Robertson's terrible stretch matches up well with Domi's... assuming we are all for dumping Domi too?

I agree.

It is too soon to suggest Steeves is a full time NHL player.

But if you look at Robertson's last month (13 games) in the NHL would you say he is a NHL player?

However, we know Robertson doesn't want to be with the Leafs.

Should we both agree 12 or 13 games isn't enough to have a complete read on a player?

I'm saying give him Robertson's minutes and see how he does with them.
They already know what Roberson provides.
If they think Robertson can play on the 4th. line then what is the harm?

 

[Ianturnedbull]

Congratulations, but attending games and having friends who attend games does not make you an authority, it is a terrible argument and irrelevant.

Which of the 11 other NHL games that you or your friend attended did he play well in?

The AHL is not the NHL, we have still yet to see if he will be an NHLer.

He played really well in 1/12 NHL games, I am saying it is fine to be excited but it is premature to declare him anything.



He had 4 other games this year where he was also useless... 1st call-up seemed right for him.

All I am saying is that I'm not looking at him prejudices in mind. I am not implying you are either. I'm saying that he had an amazing season in the AHL and his trajectory keeps going. I am declaring him as someone who will stay in the Leafs line-up. Why wouldn't he? Who in the bottom 6 is going to knock him off? Robertson, Reaves, and Domi are all reeling at this point. He might not get a goal and an assist every night, but would it be so hard for him to jump ahead of those 3 in the Leafs line-up?

 

[thewave]

I really hope he gets a legit shot. Put him with Tavares and Nylander. The great thing about McMann is he can slide anywhere in the middle six and contribute. Steeves game will benefit more from having skill around him.

Knies - Matthews - Marner
Steeves - Tavares - Nylander
McMann - Domi - Jarnkrok
Lorentz - Kampf - Patches

Toronto is notorious for jerking these types of players around and not giving them a legit shot. Also doing what they do with guys like Robertson who has no business on the team. Holl was another anointed Leaf.

The organization is incredibly stupid. Let's hope they give him a fair shake.

 

[notbias]

I agree.

It is too soon to suggest Steeves is a full time NHL player.

But if you look at Robertson's last month (13 games) in the NHL would you say he is a NHL player?

However, we know Robertson doesn't want to be with the Leafs.

Should we both agree 12 or 13 games isn't enough to have a complete read on a player?

I'm saying give him Robertson's minutes and see how he does with them.
They already know what Roberson provides.
If they think Robertson can play on the 4th. line then what is the harm?

I don't think he's earned it after 1 game, but I don't have an issue with it.

I'd say Steeves has to produce better than Robertson did last year to warrant giving up on Robertson since he has proven that he can produce at that level.

I don't mind trying people out, Robertson has been struggling, no argument.

I won't address the argument of Robertson not wanting to be a Leaf because none of the players on the team do unless the money is right, so you can likely say that about anyone. Robertson (or anyone negotiating a contract) does not want to be a Leaf unless the circumstances are something they agree with.

I don't agree that they know what Robertson provides because he has had a poor season but had a good one last year, it is still to be determined, and my hope is that he can produce similar to last season, it is why I don't like giving up on someone with potential to do so.

I think we can roll 4 good lines, so Robertson on the 4th line, I have no issue with, they just seem to want character players there, so he doesn't fit.

Carry extra players and have multiple guys competing if you want people to earn their spots (Lorentz, Domi, Holmberg, Steeves, Robertson, Pacioretty).

 

[notbias]

All I am saying is that I'm not looking at him prejudices in mind. I am not implying you are either. I'm saying that he had an amazing season in the AHL and his trajectory keeps going. I am declaring him as someone who will stay in the Leafs line-up. Why wouldn't he? Who in the bottom 6 is going to knock him off? Robertson, Reaves, and Domi are all reeling at this point. He might not get a goal and an assist every night, but would it be so hard for him to jump ahead of those 3 in the Leafs line-up?

Jarnkrok can easily knock him out of the lineup.

There are two spots for Robertson, Holmberg, Dewar, Pacioretty, and Lorentz, which is likely who he ends up competing with, and I think he is #5/6 on that list.

I'm not sold on Lorentz, but lots of people are, so if he is a given, then there is one spot and Steeves may be the worst of the bunch.

I'm just saying that great, he had a good game, but he needs to continue because I don't think he is close to being a full-time NHLer yet, I still think he is a player who is in between the AHL and NHL.

 

[aingefan]

Steeves has played RW almost exclusively this year.
He has no value as an add-on to a trade with his pending group 6 UFA status.
Maybe he’s getting a tryout for a McMann/Benoit/Rifai/Myers extension.
I love NickRob as much as anyone, but Steeves is playing a sturdier game him (I’m talking AHL, mostly) and might be a better fit on the third line beside McMann and Domi. His attention on the D side has improved a lot, and he’s plenty physical.

 

[ULF_55]

I don't think he's earned it after 1 game, but I don't have an issue with it.

I'd say Steeves has to produce better than Robertson did last year to warrant giving up on Robertson since he has proven that he can produce at that level.

I don't mind trying people out, Robertson has been struggling, no argument.

I won't address the argument of Robertson not wanting to be a Leaf because none of the players on the team do unless the money is right, so you can likely say that about anyone. Robertson (or anyone negotiating a contract) does not want to be a Leaf unless the circumstances are something they agree with.

I don't agree that they know what Robertson provides because he has had a poor season but had a good one last year, it is still to be determined, and my hope is that he can produce similar to last season, it is why I don't like giving up on someone with potential to do so.

I think we can roll 4 good lines, so Robertson on the 4th line, I have no issue with, they just seem to want character players there, so he doesn't fit.

Carry extra players and have multiple guys competing if you want people to earn their spots (Lorentz, Domi, Holmberg, Steeves, Robertson, Pacioretty).

I don't think he's earned it after 1 game, but I don't have an issue with it.

Not sure I understand this stance?

Are you saying disregard his game?

Seems to be he hasn't proven it, and I don't want to give him a chance to prove it.

I know sometimes it is the context.

Obviously, he's earned the next game, probably earned a few games, but that's probably all he's after the opportunity. Heck, he'd probably be okay staying on the 4th. line, which really last night was the third line as far as execution and performance went.

 

[arso40]

I think Jarnkrok is skating again and there’s also Robertson. Then if they get a. Center, Domi is moving to the LW

Yes but I’d argue other than jarnkrok the other two aren’t loccs atleast if we’re trying to win they shouldn’t be domi needs to play with good players his defence is horrible and his offence doesn’t warrant the risk he brings

 

[Ianturnedbull]

Jarnkrok can easily knock him out of the lineup.

There are two spots for Robertson, Holmberg, Dewar, Pacioretty, and Lorentz, which is likely who he ends up competing with, and I think he is #5/6 on that list.

I'm not sold on Lorentz, but lots of people are, so if he is a given, then there is one spot and Steeves may be the worst of the bunch.

I'm just saying that great, he had a good game, but he needs to continue because I don't think he is close to being a full-time NHLer yet, I still think he is a player who is in between the AHL and NHL.

No. I'm going to challenge this. When Jarnkrok returns he will not be shot out of a canon. He'll be catching up and trying to jump on a moving train. Let's just say he plays to his capabilities, he still won't affect Steeves. I think Steeves is going to get a long look.

 

[notbias]

Not sure I understand this stance?

Are you saying disregard his game?

Seems to be he hasn't proven it, and I don't want to give him a chance to prove it.

I know sometimes it is the context.

Obviously, he's earned the next game, probably earned a few games, but that's probably all he's after the opportunity. Heck, he'd probably be okay staying on the 4th. line, which really last night was the third line as far as execution and performance went.

No. I'm going to challenge this. When Jarnkrok returns he will not be shot out of a canon. He'll be catching up and trying to jump on a moving train. Let's just say he plays to his capabilities, he still won't affect Steeves. I think Steeves is going to get a long look.

Has Robertson taken back his spot off of Steeves now?

These one game samples sizes are ridiculous.

I am saying this thread is premature and Steeves hasn't proven he deserves anything more than a few games.

 

[ULF_55]

Has Robertson taken back his spot off of Steeves now?

These one game samples sizes are ridiculous.

I am saying this thread is premature and Steeves hasn't proven he deserves anything more than a few games.

Agree.

12 game sample size isn't much better. So determining Steeves NHL career based on 12 games playing 4th. line minutes is ridiculous. And those 12 games were spread over 4 years with zero opportunity to get comfortable.

Obviously, when Leafs injured come back something has to change to become Cap compliant.

Robertson requires waivers, so he's safe, or traded.