The Toronto Maple Leafs were back in action on Tuesday, announcing the recall of standout forward Alex Steeves from the Toronto Marlies.
As the 4 Nations Faceoff comes to a close, teams are returning to their usual routines, focusing on the remainder of the 2025 season. With the playoffs and trade deadline approaching, organizations are looking to assemble the best roster possible.
For the Maple Leafs, who are in need of offensive firepower, this call-up of Alex Steeves from the Toronto Marlies is a significant move made on Monday.
The Maple Leafs have recalled F Alex Steeves from the Toronto Marlies (AHL).
— Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) February 18, 2025
The moment Alex Steeves set a new Marlies franchise point record.
I think he enjoyed it. pic.twitter.com/pYodni4ZTc
— Mark (@MarkUkLeaf) December 31, 2024
Steeves is currently the leading scorer in the AHL, boasting an impressive 29 goals and 17 assists in 40 games this season. Additionally, he has become the all-time leading goal scorer for the Toronto Marlies, having surpassed Ryan Hamilton earlier this season.
The moment Alex Steeves set a new Marlies franchise point record.
I think he enjoyed it. pic.twitter.com/pYodni4ZTc
— Mark (@MarkUkLeaf) December 31, 2024
ALEX STEEVES, FRANCHISE RECORD HOLDER ONCE AGAIN!!
95 GOALS AND COUNTING AS A TORONTO MARLIE 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ZwmVMsVlId
— Toronto Marlies (@TorontoMarlies) February 8, 2025
So why exactly would Toronto want to recall Steeves?
This season has undoubtedly been Steeves’ best, yet his previous seasons might surprise you as he hasn’t yet made a significant impact.
In his four AHL seasons, including the current one, Steeves has tallied 98 goals and 102 assists over 228 games. He’s excelled since his first year with the Marlies, and he’s accomplished just about everything at that level.
Having won a championship, broken records, and arguably being the AHL’s top player this season, there’s not much left for him to achieve there, especially with the Maple Leafs in need of offensive support.
Earlier this season, he had a brief opportunity in the NHL due to injuries but didn’t register any points in his four games. In his 11 career NHL appearances, he has yet to score and has a minus-4 rating.
Toronto needs to reignite their third line offense, and adding Steeves could be a valuable move. While he hasn’t fully showcased his potential yet, his AHL performance suggests that given time, he will.
A standout at Notre Dame, Steeves signed with the Maple Leafs in 2021 after his NCAA career and has been part of the organization ever since.
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