Alex Steeves Faces Critical Crossroads in NHL Career
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Alex Steeves is at a pivotal moment in his professional hockey career. Confident in his abilities but frustrated by the limited opportunities with the Leafs, Steeves is making it clear that if Toronto does not give him a fair shot at the NHL, he will seek his chance elsewhere. The 24-year-old forward, who has been a standout performer with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies, is ready to take control of his future, whether that means continuing with the Maple Leafs or finding a new team.
While Steeves’ time with the Marlies has been impressive—he’s on the verge of breaking the franchise’s all-time points record—his lack of consistent NHL opportunities has led to growing frustration. Despite his success in the AHL, Steeves has yet to secure a full-time role with the Leafs, leading him to question his future with the organization. In an interview with David Alter of The Hockey News, Steeves expressed hope that his path would lead to a permanent spot in Toronto, but acknowledged that if it doesn’t, he is prepared to move on.
“I hope it happens here. I really do, but I’m putting less pressure on myself because if it doesn’t work out here, it’s going to work out somewhere else,” Steeves shared. His confidence stems from his consistent performance with the Marlies, where he has accumulated 166 points in his tenure and proven himself as more than capable of making the jump to the NHL. For Steeves, it’s a matter of earning the chance to showcase his talents at the highest level.
Reflecting on his journey, Steeves admitted to feeling that he could have been given more opportunities with the Leafs in the past. However, he has accepted that numerous external factors—such as roster limitations, salary cap constraints, and the influx of new players—have complicated the situation. “I definitely feel like maybe I could have had more opportunities in the past,” Steeves noted. “But I’ve come to accept that there are many things out of my control.”
With the Leafs’ bottom six struggling offensively, Steeves’ potential addition to the lineup seems like a logical solution. As the team faces challenges in generating consistent scoring depth, the young forward’s ability to contribute offensively could provide a much-needed spark. If Toronto is serious about improving its depth, a longer look at Steeves—particularly with potential roster changes on the horizon—would be a wise move.
Steeves, who extended his contract with the Leafs earlier this year, has shown unwavering loyalty to the organization, but his patience is wearing thin. “This is my fourth year here,” he explained. “I chose to be here, and I’ve been really loyal up until this point. But at the same time, whether or not it happens for me here, I just need to focus on the things I can control.” With his sights set on a long NHL career, Steeves remains optimistic, though it’s clear he is ready to pursue that future with or without Toronto’s commitment.