C Dave Steckel (Anaheim Ducks)

[jimotis4heisman]

The Columbus Dispatch : NHL playoffs: OSU's Steckel helps keep Capitals in hunt for Cup

Last summer, Washington Capitals center David Steckel opened his suburban Columbus home to college buddy R.J. Umberger after the forward was traded to the Blue Jackets. Nowadays, it's Steckel who occupies the prime spot Umberger inhabited last spring.
The Ohio State product has become an unlikely Stanley Cup playoff hero with three goals in the Capitals' entertaining series against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The lanky Steckel forced tonight's Game 7 with an overtime goal on a deflected shot Monday in the Capitals' 5-4 victory in Pittsburgh. Even as teammates were mobbing Steckel on the ice, Umberger was sending a congratulatory text message.
He knows what it's like to get hot at the right time.
"I was really happy for David," said Umberger, who scored 10 postseason goals last spring for Philadelphia. "He has had a really good playoff for them."
In a star-studded series with the likes of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Alex Ovechkin, a third-line checking center has made a significant impact.
Steckel, in his second NHL season, has scored a goal in all three Washington wins.
....

 

[Buckskin86]

opening day roster for the Toronto Maple Leafs...

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2013/01/19/nhl-opening-day-rosters/1847379/

 

[Buckskin86]

Ducks acquire David Steckel from Toronto
March 15, 2013|By Lisa Dillman

The Ducks have acquired forward David Steckel from the Toronto Maple Leafs for minor leaguer Ryan Lasch and a seventh-round draft pick in 2014.

In Steckel, the Ducks acquired a player that teams with championship dreams often try to land approaching the NHL trading deadline. Steckel is a face-off specialist. In short, the acquisition cost was comparatively low to add a piece to the Ducks' puzzle that they firmly believe they need.

http://articles.latimes.com/2013/mar/15/sports/la-sp-sn-ducks-david-steckel-20130315

Strangest NHL goal of season? Ducks’ Dave Steckel scores on bounce vs. Blue Jackets
By Greg Wyshynski | Puck Daddy

There was a moment during this Anaheim Ducks’ goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Wednesday night when literally no one on the ice knew where the puck was.

And then it was in the net.

The sequence began with a shot from the point that was deflected in on goalie Sergei Bobrovsky. Kyle Palmieri shot the puck on a rebound that was saved. Then Ducks center David Steckel took a whack at it, with the puck deflected off a player in front of the Columbus goal.

It went high into the air before dropped down inside the crease and rolling over the goal line for Steckel’s first of the season.

The reaction from Vinny Prospal of the Jackets said it all: Sometimes, the puck just doesn’t bounce your way. Or it completely bounces your way, from a Ducks' perspective.

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-p...ducks-dave-steckel-scores-042613832--nhl.html

 

[Buckskin86]

Veteran center David Steckel signed by Wild to pro tryout
Posted by: Michael Russo under Wild news Updated: September 9, 2013

The Wild has signed veteran center David Steckel to a pro tryout, multiple sources say. Steckel, 31, a 6-foot-6, 215-pound native of Milwaukee and former Ohio State standout, has long been one of the NHL's best in the faceoff circle.

The 2001 first-round pick by the Los Angeles Kings has played eight seasons for Anaheim, New Jersey, Toronto and Washington. The left-shot pivot won 57.1 percent of his draws last season for Anaheim.

Two years ago, he ranked sixth in the NHL (58 percent), in 2010-11 he led the NHL by winning 62.3 percent of his draws, he ranked second in 2009-10 (59.2 percent), fifth in 2008-09 (57.9 percent) and seventh in 2007-08 (56.3 percent).

He's a big body, responsible defensively, is a solid penalty killer, works hard and gritty. I just talked with Steckel by phone and he said, "those are my strong assets and that's what I stick to."

He has scored 33 goals and 79 points in 419 games.

"I’m excited that Minnesota’s giving me an opportunity to at least try out," said Steckel, who like many free agents had trouble finding jobs this summer due to the salary cap decreasing by almost $6 million. "It’s been a wild ride this summer and I’m really looking forward to coming into camp and trying to make an impression."

A pro tryout doesn't bind Steckel to Minnesota. He will remain an unrestricted free agent throughout training camp and can sign with any team. If he doesn't latch on to Minnesota or get a job elsewhere, my guess is he is signed to an NHL or AHL contract and is willing to play in Des Moines.

"I'd like to think I can still play in the NHL," Steckel said.
cont..

http://www.startribune.com/sports/blogs/222962931.html

 

[Buckskin86]

Minnesota Wild release David Steckel
By Chad Graff
Pioneer Press
Posted: 09/27/2013


David Steckel

The Wild released David Steckel from his pro tryout, the team announced Friday.

Steckel, a veteran of 419 NHL games, wasn't able to land a contract with an NHL team prior to training camp, a likely casualty of the salary cap decreasing about $6 million after last season. He spent training camp with the Wild on a tryout.

Steckel is a 6-foot-6 center with a reputation as a good two-way forward and faceoff specialist. But the Wild don't want to block a roster spot for one of their talented young forwards.

Steckel might end up signing an American Hockey League contract, which would allow him to sign an NHL contract if one becomes available during the season.

http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_24191261/minnesota-wild-release-david-steckel

 

[Buckskin86]

Norfolk Admirals Sign David Steckel to AHL Contract
Tuesday, Oct. 29th, 2013

NORFOLK, VA. – The Norfolk Admirals announced Tuesday that the team has agreed to terms with center Dave Steckel on an AHL contract (SPC).

Steckel, 32, joins the Admirals after logging a goal and an assist in four games played with the Iowa Wild of the American Hockey League this season. Last year, the 6-5, 220-pound center totaled seven points in 34 appearances split between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Anaheim Ducks. Steckel registered a goal and five assists in 21 games during his time in Anaheim.

In total, the Milwaukee, Wisconsin native has 79 points (33g, 46a) and 129 penalty minutes in 419 career NHL games in stints with the Washington Capitals (2005-11), New Jersey Devils (2011), Toronto (2011-13) and Anaheim (2013).

Steckel has played in 208 AHL games spread over three seasons, including a career best 61 points (30g, 31a) with the Hershey Bears in 2006-07.

http://www.hockeyfights.com/news/190920

 

[Buckskin86]

Ducks sign Steckel to two-way contract
Monday, 11.11.2013
NHL.com




Anaheim Ducks have signed veteran center David Steckel to a one-year, two-way contract.
Steckel, 31, has been assigned to Norfolk of the American Hockey League, where he had been playing on a conditioning assignment prior to signing the NHL contract.

A noted faceoff specialist, Steckel split the 2012-13 season between the Ducks and Toronto Maple Leafs. He had one goal and six assists in 34 games before playing in all seven of the Ducks' Stanley Cup Playoff games, adding a goal and an assist.

In 419 regular-season games with the Washington Capitals, New Jersey Devils, Maple Leafs and Ducks, Steckel has 33 goals and 79 points. He has five goals and nine points in 31 career playoff games.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=691074

 

[Buckskin86]

Q&A With David Steckel

Photo Courtesy of Melissa Allen

TheHockeyWriters.com correspondent Ted Warren had the opportunity to visit with David Steckel who is currently assigned to the Anaheim Ducks AHL affiliate the Norfolk Admirals. The 31-year-old signed an AHL deal with Norfolk on October 29th; however; the Ducks voided Steckel’s AHL contract on November 11th signing the Ohio State alumnus to a one-year two-way contract.

Prior to his current assignment the big bodied forward has played with Washington , New Jersey, Toronto, and Anaheim totaling 79 points in 419 NHL contests.

Prior to November 11th Steckel and THW had a Q&A style interview. ‘Stecks’ as he is known by his teammates answered the following questions.

THW: How did your AHL deal with Norfolk come about?

D.S. I was in Minnesota for camp. I played a couple games with their AHL team. I was on a P.T.O. (Professional Try-out Contract) then I signed a contract here.

THW: What has been your role on this team since arriving?

D.S. Solid two way player, make sure I’m penalty killing. Trying to teach younger guys the importance of where we are in games. I haven’t had too many meetings, but I’m just here to play.

THW: How will you use your time in Norfolk to get back to the NHL?

cont...

- See more at: http://thehockeywriters.com/qa-david-steckel/#sthash.45L26zid.dpuf