Propsect Report: Breaking Down The Leafs Top Prospects By Position

Left Wing: Josh Leivo

Josh Leivo is a naturally gifted athlete whose size, skating ability and affinity to score goals allows him to play a variety of roles on a team. He protects the puck down low extremely well and as a right shot, comfortable playing the left side, often finds the seam on cross crease and one-timer plays to score easy goals. He doesn’t mind driving the net, or standing in the crease causing havoc on the power play and has good hand eye coordination. Not a playmaker by default, but because of his goal scorer instincts often takes coverage off of teammates and then makes the smart play to them.

Upside: 2nd line 20+ goal, 50+ point power forward

Realistic Projection: Middle 6, two-way, goal scoring winger

NHL Ready: 2015-16

NHL Player Comparable: Joffrey Lupul

Overall Position Rankings: B-

Number of Prospects: 6

Number of Prospects with Realistic Shot at NHL play: 2, Leivo, Brendan Leipsic

Need for Position at NHL level by Leafs: Not urgent, but there is at least one spot to be won at training camp

The Leafs don’t have a lot of depth at the position, but both Leivo and Brendan Leipsic have very strong chances to be serviceable NHL players in the near future. Neither have elite upside, but with JVR still not in his prime that isn’t a necessity for the organization at this point.

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