Alex Steeves made his highly anticipated NHL debut on February 22, 2025, and he certainly made it count. The forward scored his first NHL goal and added an assist, playing a key role in leading the Toronto Maple Leafs to a 6-3 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes at Scotiabank Arena.
Steeves’ impressive performance came on the heels of his remarkable season with the American Hockey League (AHL) Toronto Marlies, where he was the league's leading scorer with 29 goals, demonstrating his powerful offensive capabilities. He not only helped the Maple Leafs jump out to an early lead but also showcased the talent and skill set he has developed through diligent work over many seasons.
During the game, the Maple Leafs displayed a strong offensive attack, accumulating six goals against the Hurricanes, with Steeves contributing significantly. His contributions included netting one of those goals and providing one assist, emphasizing his dual-threat capability as both a scorer and playmaker. The team’s offense was versatile and sharp, as they achieved 23 shots on goal and secured seven assists, demonstrating teamwork and cohesion.
Steeves, now 25, was recently called up to the NHL after breaking records with the Marlies. He played 228 games with the Marlies, scoring 98 goals and notching 102 assists for 200 points. His scoring prowess earned him the all-time goal-scoring mark and the all-time points record for the Marlies’ franchise, underscoring his growth and importance to the team. “His confidence has grown alongside his performance,” analysts noted, highlighting how Steeves bolstered his talents during his time with the AHL affiliated team.
Despite his previous lack of success in making the NHL roster, this performance may have lifted him to new heights as he adapts to playing against tougher, faster opponents. His newfound skills began to show he was ready for this moment, even if he lacked elite speed and size at 6-foot-0 and 195 pounds. Steeves had become known for his play with the puck, using his creativity and intelligence to navigate through defenses.
Although he had struggled to score during previous call-ups with the Leafs, the Maple Leafs hope to find the right role for him this time around. His recent scoring records exceeded expectations and raised questions about how he could complement the already star-studded lineup of players like Auston Matthews and John Tavares.
Head Coach Craig Berube acknowledged the challenges of cracking the Maple Leafs’ elite top six, saying, “It's going to take time for him to mold his game to compete at this level.” With this call-up, he now faces intense competition for playing time against promising young talents and established players alike.
“It is important for Steeves to find his niche and prove he belongs,” continued Berube, noting the need for Steeves to find ways to produce points not just on the power play, where he flourished with the Marlies but also at even strength during the game.
Steeves has already contributed immensely to the team’s power-play strategy, scoring many of his goals on the man advantage. This game illustrated Steeves' adaptability and potential for producing high-value opportunities for the Maple Leafs.
Despite his ups and downs, Steeves maintained the confidence needed to thrive. His time on the ice was marked by determination, patience, and hard work, now rewarded with his debut performance. “Steeves scored his first NHL goal as the Toronto Maple Leafs jumped on the Carolina Hurricanes early and held on late for a 6-3 victory Saturday,” reported The Canadian Press.
Moving forward, the Maple Leafs hope Steeves can continue to develop within their organization and perhaps solidify his role as they move through the remainder of the season. His contributions come at pivotal moments as the Leafs pursue playoff positioning and the pursuit of their first Stanley Cup since 1967. The future looks promising for Steeves and the Maple Leafs, showcasing how new talent can invigorate a historic franchise.