Troy Stecher, a 31-year-old defenseman, solidified his place within the Edmonton Oilers organization during the 2024-25 season, carving out a role as a reliable depth player. After being acquired by the Oilers from the Arizona Coyotes, Stecher signed a two-year, $1.575 million contract to remain with the team.

In the 2024-25 season, Stecher appeared in 66 regular season games for the Oilers, contributing 3 goals and 4 assists for a total of 7 points. While his offensive numbers weren't staggering, his contributions went beyond the scoresheet. Stecher posted a plus/minus rating of -2 and recorded 27 penalty minutes. He averaged 13:52 of ice time per game, demonstrating his role as a dependable player trusted in key situations.

Stecher's impact was particularly noticeable in his defensive contributions. When he was on the ice, the Oilers effectively suppressed scoring chances, expected goals against, and actual goals against. Notably, the Oilers outscored their opponents 3-1 during his ice time. He proved to be a steadying influence, especially when paired with Darnell Nurse.

According to Hockey Viz, Stecher's offensive contributions were slightly below the league average, while his defensive play was around the league average. His penalty killing was slightly above average. Overall, his contributions aligned with that of an average third-pairing defenseman.

With one year remaining on his contract at $787,500 annually, Stecher is positioned to compete for a spot on the Oilers as a seventh defenseman. He has seemingly found a home in Edmonton, providing stability and depth on the blue line. His journey to find a consistent role in the NHL has been a long one, but he has become a valuable asset to the Oilers.