



UND’s Troy Stecher could be a college free agent this spring (this is his junior year). A

RH defender who can run a power play (his NHL Equivalency is 23 points), Stecher

would be a nice fit for Edmonton despite lack of size (he is 5.10, 190). Hmm. A right-handed, undersized puck-moving defender from college? Hey, I know what you’re thinking. There is some evidence this young man has a different story to tell.

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THE OILERS AND COLLEGE BLUE

The Edmonton Oilers (and their fans) have had a love-hate relationship with college defensemen going back to the turn of the century. I well remember Tom Poti being booed unmercifully at Rexall, and in more recent times Tom Gilbert, Jeff Petry and Justin Schultz have had their troubles playing home games in Edmonton.

Oilers fans are (in my opinion) more comfortable with rugged defenders along the lines of rookie Darnell Nurse. Although Edmonton’s towering rookie makes his share of mistakes, he is also a tough player with the ability to win battles, stand up for his teammates (hello, Roman Polak!) and skate like the wind.

More Nurse, less college! Right? Well, I would argue there is a need for defensemen who can pass, transport and shoot the puck, and for that reason young Troy Stecher should be a player of interest for the Oilers.

Moments later it’s Troy Stecher to Bryn Chyzyk, unreal ? @UNDmhockey pic.twitter.com/sesu9thTtO — Brendan Jones (@MustBeJonesy) February 28, 2016

THE SCOUTING REPORT



Chris Dilks, SB Nation : Philosophies are changing in the NHL, and it’s becoming more and more

important that defensemen at the NHL level have the ability to jump into

the rush and attack when given the opportunity rather than just sitting

back and defending. There’s no doubt that Stecher has that ability. And

with his added strength, he’s not going to be a liability in the

defensive zone either. He’s a bit of a late-bloomer by NHL prospect

standards, but has definitely developed into a legit prospect at North

Dakota. Source

: Philosophies are changing in the NHL, and it’s becoming more and more important that defensemen at the NHL level have the ability to jump into the rush and attack when given the opportunity rather than just sitting back and defending. There’s no doubt that Stecher has that ability. And with his added strength, he’s not going to be a liability in the defensive zone either. He’s a bit of a late-bloomer by NHL prospect standards, but has definitely developed into a legit prospect at North Dakota. Source More Dilks : Stecher added some muscle

between his freshman and sophomore season and went from a good

defenseman to one of the top available free agent targets in all of

college hockey. His smooth, strong skating allows him to be a force on

both ends of the ice. He missed a good chunk of the season with a leg

injury, but has been fantastic when he’s been healthy. Source

: Stecher added some muscle between his freshman and sophomore season and went from a good defenseman to one of the top available free agent targets in all of college hockey. His smooth, strong skating allows him to be a force on both ends of the ice. He missed a good chunk of the season with a leg injury, but has been fantastic when he’s been healthy. Source Ryan Lund, Fox Sports: A junior defenseman for the No. 1-ranked team in the nation, Stecher

leads a Fighting Hawks defensive corps that has allowed just 25 shots on

goal and 1.82 goals against per game this season. Stecher has chipped

in offensively this season, scoring seven goals and adding 19 assists. Source

There is no way Troy Stecher actually did this on an Etch A Sketch, is there? pic.twitter.com/LYMiphrYK5 — CJ Fogler (@cjzero) February 28, 2016

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WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?

Stecher is an effective puck mover, and the scouting reports suggest an extremely valuable kicker: He is a cerebral player, using his big brain on offense and defense. The combination of natural talent and intelligent play gives Stecher an edge on both offense and defense.

Now, that doesn’t mean the Oilers have any interest in him, or will sign him. However, he is a righty, an effective puck mover, would cost only an entry-level contract and Edmonton has an extreme need for this type of player.

I think this is a very good fit.



