Alex Steeves found it very hard to turn his back on playing a fourth and final year at Notre Dame and finishing his accounting degree at the school’s prestigious Mendoza College of Business.
But the Leafs moved to the front of the line of NHL suitors last spring for the 5-foot-11 centre, who had some Hobey Baker Award buzz with 32 points in 29 games. He signed a three-year NHL entry level deal.
“I wasn’t thinking about leaving until my season ended,” Steeves said. “I wanted 100 per cent to be with my team as we tracked down a national championship. But when the time came to listen to what was out there, I thought I was handling a lot of responsibility, performing at a high level and ready for a new challenge.”
Other teams were in on the Bedford, N.H., forward, but Toronto’s presentation wowed him, not to mention openings at forward in main camp to possibly play with the Core Four.
“It was an attractive option and I jumped all over it,” Steeves said. “Once I met with Kyle Dubas and a few staff members, I was really impressed with the attention to detail, the holistic approach, whether it be Leafs, Marlies or wherever you’re headed. They’re just so invested in their players and I’m a big believer in utilizing resources.”
Steeves intends to finish his degree, though Notre Dame’s shift back to in-class sessions could make that harder in the short term.
