Steckel Headed To Toronto

    Given the small stature of Toronto's center ice lineup and face-off deficiency, Brian Burke must not have been pleased with the projected matchups. The Leafs have traded their 4th round pick in the 2012 draft for David Steckel of the New Jersey Devils.

  Despite his league leading 62% faceoff percentage, Devils GM Lou Lamiorello didn't foresee a roster spot available for the gritty forward, in comes Brian Burke. With rising scorer Nazem Kadri out of the lineup with a knee injury, Burke saw an opportunity to enhance his roster with one of the best penalty killers and face-off men in the league.

  While Steckel has never topped 20 points at the NHL ranks, he did net 30 goals and 31 assists in AHL during the 2006-07 season, proving he is more than a plug. With Darryl Boyce waived and bound to play with the Marlies, Steckel will most likely see his time in Toronto on the 4th line while the 3rd line is projected to be more of the scoring variety.

  Steckel will provide a great amount of defensive reliability and puck possession amongst the bottom six along with a healthy Matt Lombardi. Look for the hard-nosed forward to add a much needed physical presence and "truculence" along with Mike Brown and Colton Orr to put pressure on opposing forwards and open up room for the limited scoring threat that Toronto has in the deck.

-Dustin Lundberg