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Toronto Maple Leafs: Josh Leivo Makes The Most Of Another Opportunity

By Callum Ferguson

Mar 23, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Josh Leivo (32) celebrates with teammates on the bench after scoring a goal in the first period against the New Jersey Devils at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Josh Leivo (32) celebrates with teammates on the bench after scoring a goal in the first period against the New Jersey Devils at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Both Nikita Soshnikov and Eric Fehr are injured. This means Josh Leivo finally got another opportunity to play for Toronto Maple Leafs. 

In the NHL it is vital to make the most of the opportunities you are given. Leivo has done that.  But playing time for the Toronto Maple Leafs has not followed.

When Soshnikov couldn’t go, it was Eric Fehr who was rewarded. He made his Maple Leaf debut, leaving Leivo, again, stuck in the press box.

While Fehr did made an impact, he was  injured blocking a shot. Now he’s  likely done for the season.

With injury comes opportunity. Leivo replaced Fehr in the Maple Leafs’ lineup on Thursday. Appearing in his first game since February 28, Leivo didn’t skip a beat. He had a power play goal and three shots in 12:01 of ice time. Once again, proving himself as an offensive force in the NHL.

Leivo Producing for the Toronto Maple Leafs

The 23-year old has been scoring at nearly a point-per-game pace in limited action this season. He has now registered 10 points (two goals, eight assists), 25 shots  in 13 games.

For Leivo, this success has come regardless of where he is put in the lineup. When he was eventually promoted onto Nazem Kadri’s line earlier in the year, Leivo didn’t just succeed, he thrived, and played a big part in driving the entire line. Even When playing on the team’s fourth line, where he appeared in Thursday’s game, Leivo still manages to create offence.

The Harsh Reality

Despite this, the fact of the matter is the Leafs have several wingers with a similar skill set to Leivo, and not enough with the ability to back-check and kill penalties. For that reason, it is clear Mike Babcock would be more comfortable with a defensive-minded player like Soshnikov in the lineup.

With all four lines seemingly set in stone, it is still unclear what it will take to get Leivo into the lineup everyday. Once Soshnikov (whose injury isn’t believed to be serious) comes back healthy, Leivo will probably come back out, regardless of performance.

Barring any other significant time missed by a core forward, the Innisfil, Ont. native may have to wait until next season to get the consistent NHL opportunity he has been so patiently awaiting.

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