Leafs prospect on fire with the Marlies to start the 2022-23 season

On the subject of Steeves, he was another player on the short list to receive some consideration for a roster spot out of camp. However, for the same reason that Nick Robertson was demoted, so too was Steeves, despite the fact that he's likely NHL-ready now. But, hey - there's nothing wrong with having some NHL-ready talent waiting for an opportunity to step in if the injury bug bites.

In the meantime, Steeves has gotten right to work with the Marlies and through 4 games played, the 22-year-old leads the team in both goals (4) and points (6). At this point, he'd likely be the team's first call-up if they were to run into some injury trouble. Here's a look at his 4th goal of the season.

Steeves, an undrafted center, was a USHL product who went the college route, playing 3 seasons at Notre Dame before signing with the Leafs as a college UFA. Steeves does have some NHL experience under his belt already, having played 3 games with the team last season, notching an assist over that span. He finished his Marlies season last year with 23 goals and 23 assists for 46 points in 58 games as a first-year pro. With 6 points in 4 games to start out this season, he appears well on his way to besting those totals in 2022-23.