The Toronto Maple Leafs announced that they have recalled forward Alex Steeves on an emergency basis on Tuesday morning.
The @MapleLeafs have recalled F Alex Steeves from the @TorontoMarlies on an emergency basis.
— Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) November 12, 2024
With the Leafs set to begin another back-to-back, this one involving a road game, it makes sense to bring up an extra body just in case. This also helps mitigate the recent ailment of Max Pacioretty, who will be out week-to-week with a lower-body injury, and Auston Matthews’ doubtful status for Tuesday’s game against the Ottawa Senators.
Steeves’s appointment is also a response to Max Domi and William Nylander missing Monday’s practice due to a maintenance day. Head coach Craig Berube did tell reporters afterwards that he expects Domi and Nylander to be available for tonight’s contest but a lot can change within 24 hours so it is fair to wonder if one or both of these players will get the night off instead.
In any case, this is a worthy call-up for Steeves who is off to a strong start with the Toronto Marlies this season. He is coming off a dominant weekend where he recorded six points (four goals and two assists) in two games to help the AHL squad get three of a possible four points.
Steeves currently leads the Marlies in scoring with 12 points (nine goals and three assists) through 10 AHL games so far this season.
Our 10th-ranked prospect is one that several fans have been clamouring for the Leafs to give an opportunity in the NHL given how productive he has been in the AHL and the need for reliable scoring in the bottom six over the past few seasons. Toronto certainly remains committed to Steeves’ development on account of them signing him to a one-year, two-way extension this past offseason at the league minimum. The fact he has yet to get a chance before Tuesday’s recall is simply a reality of how stacked the team is upfront.
It is unclear at the time of filing if he will get into the lineup for tonight or Wednesday’s game against the Washington Capitals, but he is nonetheless an option the Leafs have at their disposal.
