David Steckel Statistics & Scouting Report

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David Steckel Scouting Report by Gus Katsaros and Ryan Dadoun

The 6-foot-5, 222-pound pivot was airlifted into Leafs fold in October from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for a 2012 fourth-round pick for some help and additional centre depth for draws. He did just that, winning 643 of 1108 faceoffs. Steckel ended up with eight goals and 13 points in 76 games while averaging 12:49 minutes last season, scoring once on the power-play goal and twice shorthanded. Three of his five even-strength goals were scored during a three-game streak between Oct. 20 and Oct. 24. The Milwaukee, Wisconsin native uses his stick and superior wingspan to make up for a long but subpar skating stride. When he has the puck, Steckel doesn’t always show the will to drive to the net and puck skills aren’t his strong suit, lacking somewhat in execution. He gets by using specialization skills, such as proficient faceoff ability and willingness to throw his body around, to remain in the lineup. The Leafs used him heavily when shorthanded in 2011-12, but his role might be diminished due to the signing of Jay McClement. Steckel will enter training camp with the inside track to start the season as the team’s fourth-line centre, but that role is far from secure. Failing to impress during training camp and the early portion of the season, Steckel might end up spending significant stretches of the season as a healthy scratch until an injury creates a fresh opportunity.

David Steckel Statistics