Maple Leafs News & Rumors: Steeves, Nylander, Tavares & Murray

Alex Steeves' background and prior to his signing is discussed in this edition of Toronto Maple Leafs’ News & Rumors. William Nylander is being tried out at centre until John Tavares returns. The odds of the Maple Leaf's winning the Stanley Cup improved after they traded for goalie Matt Murray and signed Ilya Samsonov.

Alex Steeves is training with the Maple Leafs. He was an undrafted player who played for the University of Notre Dame. Steves was injured early last season, but he returned to the Toronto Marlies and scored 46 points in 58 games. After the team's first training camp cuts, Stieves played three games for Toronto. He's a speedy forward who's strong on the puck. His grit and hustle are something Maple Leaf's fans will love.

William Nylander played on the third line with Nick Robertson and Denis Malgin in the Maple Leafs' practice today. He's been playing with them in preseason games. Head coach Sheldon Keefe thinks he can play center in this position until John Tavares returns. Tavare is currently injured. It's projected that he'll play there during the team's home-and-home series with the Detroit Red Wings this weekend.

The Maple Leafs are not going to sign Steeves, Nylander, Tavares or Murray.

The Maple Leafs' Stanley Cup-winning odds increased from 12-to-1 on June 26 to 17-2 on October 6. The change is the result of the team trading for Matt Muray and signing Ilya Samsonov as a free agent.