At 5'10" and 186 lbs, Stecher isn't one of the bigger defenseman in the NHL. What he lacks in size, he makes up for in worth ethic and talent. Stecher uses his mobility and high hockey IQ to deny zone entries and make strong outlet passes. He never gives up on puck battles and has tremendous positioning that aids in gap control and cutting off shooting and passing lanes.
Considering most talented NHL defenders were taken in the draft, Stecher's story is an interesting one. The puck-moving rearguard was an undrafted defenseman who signed with the Canucks as a free agent out of North Dakota in 2016. He led the Fighting Hawks to their eighth NCAA Championship in his final NCAA season while ranking sixth in league scoring among defensemen with six goals and 29 points. The Canucks took a chance on a promising college defenseman and its paid off nicely.
Stecher made an immediate impact in his rookie season with the Canucks, posting three goals and 24 points in 71 games. His strong work-ethic led him to being voted the team's best defensemen by the fans. The poise has been there from Day 1 and his maturity and compete level continue to improve each season.
Stecher's first career NHL goal is a great example of his complete skill-set and what he brings to the table. In this sequence, Stecher reads a clearing attempt by the Stars and makes a great block at the blueline to keep the puck in the zone. After stopping the clearing attempt, Stecher showcases great mobility to deke around forward Jamie Benn before unleashing a slapshot past goaltender Kari Lehtonen to tie the game.
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One of Stecher's best games this season came against the Toronto Maple Leafs in March. The versatile blueliner turned in a workhorse performance, firing four shots on goal, blocking three shots and dishing out three hits. He logged a total 27:47 of ice time, including 3:26 on the power play and 2:43 shorthanded.
Stecher was an absolute force at both ends of the ice and led the Canucks to a 3-2 victory against one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. His big hit on superstar Auston Matthews is a great example of his awareness to recognize a situation and deny a zone entry with a great read.
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Stecher has become a reliable two-way, puck-moving defenseman who can be depended on in all situations. He's signed for one more season to a $2.325 million per year contract and will be a RFA when it expires. With talented defensive prospects Quinn Hughes and Olli Juolevi in the system, Stecher is making a strong case to be at the forefront of the team's youth movement on the blueline.