Maple Leafs claim defenceman Troy Stecher off waivers from Oilers

Troy Stecher is headed east.

The Toronto Maple Leafs claimed the defenceman off waivers from the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday, the team announced.

Stecher, 31, has played six games for the Oilers this season, failing to record a point. He last played Oct. 30.

The veteran journeyman appeared in 66 regular-season games for Edmonton last season, plus eight more in the playoffs. He had seven points (three goals, four assists) prior to the post-season but did not hit the scoresheet once there.

Toronto’s blue line took a hit recently when Chris Tanev was placed on injured reserve.

To make room for Stecher on the roster, goalie Anthony Stolarz joined Tanev on IR.

Stecher, of Richmond, B.C., has appeared in 566 career games with the Oilers, Vancouver Canucks, Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, Arizona Coyotes and Calgary Flames.

He has 117 career points (22 goals, 95 assists).

The defenceman is set to hit free agency on July 1. His cap hit is $787,500.