Steeves red hot, enjoying a 10-game point streak in the AHL; could a trade be in the works to open up a spot?

Signed as a college free agent under the Dubas regime, Steeves is now 23 years old and tearing up the AHL. With 10 goals and 17 points across the first 13 games of the season, Steeves' play is turning heads and could potentially force a decision for the Maple Leafs.

There was some discussion prior to training camp that Steeves was a dark horse to actually make the team out of training camp. Unfortunately for him, with the play of Noah Gregor on his PTO and the unbelievable showing from rookie center Fraser Minten, Steeves was sent back to the American Hockey League. Now, he's making a strong case for a recall.

This sudden surge from Steeves could do one of two things. First, it could have other teams considering taking a flier on him as a part of a trade package that would allow the Leafs to acquire a defenseman. The second option would be to trade someone from the active roster in a deal for a defenseman and open up a spot in the lineup or Steeves to get a shot, knowing that they still have Pontus Holmberg waiting in the wings if Steeves struggles at the NHL level.

Of course, the third option is to simply keep him playing big minutes with the Marlies and continuing to dominate down there, but I'd have to think that the young forward is running out of patience. He has been a big time point producer for the Marlies in 2021-22 and 2022-23. Now, with how well he has started his 2023-24 season, it may only be a matter of time until he requests a trade so he gets the opportunity to establish himself as an NHL player.