Toronto Marlies’ young stars shine in decisive victory over …..

Toronto Marlies’ young stars shine in decisive victory over …..

 

 

Marlies’ Steeves hoping to get another crack at NHL

It turns out becoming a professional hockey player is pretty difficult, even if you already are one.

Alex Steeves is one of a handful of players for the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League who has made the jump to the big time.

The forward made his NHL debut Dec. 7, 2021, with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Now almost three years later, Steeves is trying to get back to the big club, on a more permanent basis.

“This is year four for me with the Marlies,” said the Notre Dame University product after practice Wednesday. “I’m controlling what I can control, which is getting better here every day and making sure if I am lucky enough to get back there (the Maple Leafs), and I can give myself the best chance to stick.

“My head is here right now with the Marlies, and my time will come.”

Steeves signed in Toronto as a free agent back in 2021, but has yet to stick at the NHL level. The 24-year-old has played in seven games for the Toronto Maple Leafs across three seasons.

Looking for continuity and opportunity as a restricted free agent this past offseason, Steeves re-signed on a one-year, two-way contract hoping to build off a strong season for the Marlies.

“It’s an honour to be here everyday,” said the Saint Paul, Min., native. “I want to be better this year. Grow as a teammate, grow as a player, grow in every aspect of my life. It’s a really good place to do that.”

Luckily for Steeves, the Marlies’ captain Logan Shaw has endured similar struggles in his professional career. The 32-year-old Shaw played 232 games at the NHL level across parts of five seasons.

The captain knows a thing or two about what it takes to get up to the NHL, and has seen the necessary traits in Steeves.

“He’s going to work hard each and every night,” said Shaw at the Ford Performance Centre Wednesday. “He’s a great teammate, and everything you want in a teammate.

“It’s just about him making sure he stays focused and keeps working when he’s down here and trying to look for that next call up.

“He’s going to get his chance to play in the NHL.”

Just a chance is what a majority of players want. An opportunity to showcase their skills on the biggest stage.

Steeves has put up consecutive 50 point seasons in the AHL (51,57), but the production has not been replicated at the next level. The left-shot forward has registered a lone assist in his seven games with the Leafs.

While the scoring numbers dipped in the NHL, he has learned that other aspects of the game will help him stand out, and others in the organization have noticed his dedication and willingness to improve in those areas.

“He’s ok with being here, but he’s not content,” said Marlies Head Coach John Gruden about what makes Steeves special. “He wants to grow his game but I think his ability to be coached is important and he’s grown at that.

The Marlies’ season begins with a back-to-back against the San Diego Gulls this Saturday and Sunday. After recording a hat trick in his first ever AHL preseason game last Sunday, Steeves will look to continue rolling to show management that he is ready for the next level.

The forward understands, though, the life of a pro.

“It’s up to me to take control over my career and be the best player I can be.