The Maple Leafs have hit a bit of a rough patch, slipping from the cusp of a Wild Card spot to the draft lottery conversation. But amidst the turbulence, defenseman Troy Stecher remains committed to the team.
In a chat with Terry Koshan from the Toronto Sun, Stecher, a pending unrestricted free agent, expressed his desire to stick around in Toronto next season. Since being claimed off waivers from Edmonton in November, Stecher has been logging nearly 20 minutes a game, proving to be a valuable asset at just above the league minimum salary.
His performance might just earn him a significant pay raise in the open market this summer.
Shifting focus to the Atlantic Division, the Panthers are navigating some injury concerns as they continue their road trip in Calgary. According to team reporter Jameson Olive, center Anton Lundell and winger Mackie Samoskevich are both day-to-day after picking up knocks in Edmonton.
Lundell is on the brink of surpassing his career-high 45 points from last season, so a quick return could see him set a new personal best. Samoskevich, meanwhile, is having a quieter second NHL season with just six goals and 17 assists over 66 games, not the strongest platform as he heads into restricted free agency with arbitration rights.
In other news, Quartexx Hockey has announced the signing of Canadiens prospect David Reinbacher. The fifth overall pick from 2023 is still awaiting his NHL debut.
Previously represented by Maloney & Thompson Sports Management, the 21-year-old defenseman has tallied 23 points in 49 games with AHL Laval this season. This move isn’t about immediate contract negotiations, as Reinbacher has two more years on his entry-level deal.