Former Oiler Troy Stecher addresses tough feelings after being placed on waivers
Photo credit: Toronto Maple Leafs YouTube
The Edmonton Oilers lost Troy Stecher on waivers to the Toronto Maple Leafs this week, which he'll be using as motivation to continue his unlikely career.
The Oilers waived Stecher last Friday, as the team was carrying 8 defenceman and needed to clear a roster spot for Zach Hyman. It was a tough decision to waive the steady veteran 7th defender in Stecher, but it was the right call.
Troy Stecher has a «Chip on his shoulder» after being waived by Oilers
Joining the Maple Leafs for his first game tonight, Stecher was asked Toronto media how he felt about departing the Oilers on waivers - and he gave a passionate answer quickly.
Excited for a fresh start. Obviously seeing the team, how competitive they are, where they are in the standings, I knew it would be a motivated group that I'd be joining.
It kind of goes hand in hand with the way I play. I play with a lot of motivation and a bit of a chip on my shoulder.
I don't know if I was necessarily told no [by the Oilers]. I know why I was put on waivers, it just became a numbers game. They were trying to get younger internally on the back end. They had two really good younger d-men in Emberson and Regula come up, and I just kind of got pushed to the side. That's the way the business works.
- Troy Stecher
It kind of goes hand in hand with the way I play. I play with a lot of motivation and a bit of a chip on my shoulder.
I don't know if I was necessarily told no [by the Oilers]. I know why I was put on waivers, it just became a numbers game. They were trying to get younger internally on the back end. They had two really good younger d-men in Emberson and Regula come up, and I just kind of got pushed to the side. That's the way the business works.
- Troy Stecher
Stecher has spoken about that chip on his shoulder throughout his entire career, and it showed in his time with the Oilers.
A smaller defender at 5'10, it was unlikely that Stecher would even make the NHL - but he has, and he's turned it into an impressive 500+ game career. He may not be the most skilled player, or a physical presence, but he's carved out a role for being one of the most reliable and relentless 7th D in the NHL.
He understands that he was simply squeezed off the Oilers roster due to the numbers game and valuing younger talent.
Hopefully Stecher has success in Toronto, and is able to continue his career beyond the rest of this season.
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