The Edmonton Oilers' early season defensive struggles have prompted questions about a recent roster decision: the decision to waive Troy Stecher. While Stecher was a depth defenseman, his impact on the team, particularly on Darnell Nurse, suggests that the Oilers may have made a mistake.
Stecher's tenure in Edmonton was relatively short. He was acquired by the Oilers in March 2024 from the Arizona Coyotes. After recording two assists in seven regular season games, he signed a two-year extension with the Oilers. However, after playing only six games in the 2025-26 season, he was placed on waivers in November and subsequently claimed by the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Statistically, Stecher's contributions may not jump off the page. In his previous season, he scored three goals and seven points in 66 games. However, his value extended beyond pure point production. Last season, Stecher was called the "Darnell Nurse whisperer" because he brought out the best in Nurse. Nurse played the most minutes with Stecher, and when they were on the ice together, the Oilers outscored their opponents.
The Oilers' defensive struggles this season are well-documented. The team ranks near the bottom of the league in goals allowed. The Oilers' defensive game is subpar, as they give up too many high-danger chances and lose too many important battles. Former NHL players have criticized the Oilers' defensive play, labeling it "absolutely putrid". The team's defensive struggles have led to speculation about potential changes to the coaching staff.
While it's difficult to pinpoint one single factor for the Oilers' defensive woes, the absence of Stecher's steady presence on the blue line may be contributing to the problem. The Oilers' current defensive lineup includes Evan Bouchard, Darnell Nurse, Mattias Ekholm, and Jake Walman. While these players possess individual skill, the team's overall defensive structure has been lacking.
The decision to waive Stecher is even more questionable considering his cap hit of $787,500. In a salary cap world, having a reliable depth defenseman at a low cost is a valuable asset. By letting Stecher go, the Oilers not only lost a player who had a positive impact on Darnell Nurse, but they also created a hole in their defensive depth.
Looking at Stecher's performance since joining the Maple Leafs, he has seemingly found his footing. Through late December, he has played in multiple games for the Leafs, contributing a solid plus/minus rating. While plus/minus is not the definitive stat, it suggests he is contributing positively to his new team.
Ultimately, the Oilers' decision to waive Troy Stecher may be one they come to regret. While he may not be a star player, his positive impact on Darnell Nurse and his reliability as a depth defenseman made him a valuable asset. As the Oilers continue to search for solutions to their defensive struggles, they may realize that they let go of a player who could have helped stabilize their blue line.
