Heading into the 2022-23 season, former Regina Pat Sam Steel wanted to establish himself as a regular in the National Hockey League. Over halfway into his first campaign with the Minnesota Wild, Steel is on his way to achieving his goal.
Steel was a guest on the SportsCage on Friday with Michael Ball.
Last summer, the 24-year-old signed with the Wild after spending his first four seasons with the Anaheim Ducks. Steel is enjoying his best season in the league, with eight goals, 14 assists and 22 points. During his four seasons with Anaheim, the forward scored six goals in each of his four years with the Ducks.
When he signed with Minnesota, Steel said he didn’t try to place any heavy expectations on himself since he was joining a new team.
“I just try and take it day by day.”
Along with career numbers in the offensive categories, the Ducks first-round selection in 2016 also improved his defensive play. His plus/minus rating is +10 after he was a minus player in three of his first four seasons. Steel says the defence is something that he is continuously working on.
“The whole defensive side of the game is something that I worked on throughout the years and I think I have taken steps forward.”
It has been a tale of two cities for Steel’s professional career. He began his career with four years of warm weather and sunshine in Anaheim before heading to Minnesota. The former Pat enjoyed his time in California but likes being a part of the Wild.
“Minnesota just has more of a hockey town feel. ”
Steel spent over four seasons with the Pats during his time in the Western Hockey League. His best season was back in 2016-17 as he scored 50 goals and 81 assists over 66 games. Even after spending a few years in the big leagues, he looks back at his time in the Queen City with great fondness.
“It’s a lot of fun. I’m grateful to spend it in Regina.”
The playoffs are the next goal for Steel and the Wild. At the end of January, Minnesota is in the third spot in the Central Division but is battling with teams like Colorado and Nashville for playoff positioning.
With improvements on the offensive and defensive side of the game, Steel hopes the win column is the next step to improve in Minnesota.
