Josh Leivo was the best Toronto Maple Leafs player on the ice last night.
He’s been knocking on the Toronto Maple Leafs front door for a job that he deserves for well over a year now and it’s time to start thinking about what’s right for him.
I’m of the opinion that he could serve in a top-six role on most teams in the NHL, probably bottom nine with the Leafs, so he has value.
We already know that trade inquiries regarding Leivo have been made although the details are pretty scarce at this point.
Mike Babcock and Lou Lamoriello know what he’s capable of too and will find him an NHL home soon, or at least they should if there’s no spot for him in the Leafs lineup.
If he’s put on waivers, he’ll be claimed faster than you can say, Jack Robinson, so chances are he’ll be on the Leafs final roster (I’m about 99.9% sure of that) tomorrow.
Lamoriello’s a good hockey guy and he knows that the press box isn’t suited for a player like Leivo anymore, as much as it pains me to say, I think he’ll trade him if an opportunity comes knocking and that’s the right thing to do, even if it means he can’t play for the Leafs.
Leiov’s paid his dues, he’s done the time.
Josh Leivo
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I love Leivo – you know that – and I want him in the lineup badly, but even I have a hard time finding the room for him.
Sneak peak, there really isn’t any room sadly.
Leivo could realistically play the left or right side, but the left seems harder to squeeze him in with Zach Hyman, James van Riemsdyk, Patrick Marleau and Matt Martin occupying those spots.
Andrew, can’t the Leafs just sit Martin, after all, he’s not a very good player?
Shh, I think you should sit this one out.
No, we’ve covered the fact that Martin is too invaluable, plus, Babcock loves him and he’s just not going anywhere anytime soon, so it’s time to drop that idea.
Same thing goes for Hyman, he’s here to stay and you’d miss him if he were gone.
Let’s take a quick look at the right side where William Nylander, Mitchell Marner, Leo Komarov and Connor Brown currently sit.
We’ll start with Nylander who will be a center at some point in his career, but that’s not happening anytime soon, just ask Babcock.
And do you really want to break up that chemistry between Matthews and Nylander?
He’ll transition to center in the near future, but for now, it’s time to leave that excuse at the door too.
That Guard Thing
Both van Riemsdyk and Komarov are on expiring contracts and if players like Kasperi Kapanen and Leivo are going to squeeze in, it’s going to be replacing those guys.
Add Tyler Bozak into that discussion as well if the Leafs don’t resign him, someone will need to replace him probably Willie.
Leafs management has a plan and if they just can’t see Lievo involved in that plan this season, he may, unfortunately, be on his way out.
If they do change the guard (sooner rather than later), it’ll probably mean yet another season sitting in the press box for Leivo, watching the games and occasionally getting ice time to replace an injured player.
There will be no Toronto Marlies for him.