Is it time to move on from the Josh Leivo experiment?
The Toronto Maple Leafs have had a peculiar name occupying a valuable spot in the press box, and on the 23-player roster, for quite some time.
Although largely unbeknown outside of Leaf Nation, the individual in question happens to be none other than Josh Leivo. An undetermined entity who has been a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs organization since being drafted 86th overall in the 2011 NHL Draft—Leivo has only appeared in a grand total of 57 games for the blue and white at that level.
At 25-years-old, it goes without saying that Josh Leivo’s window of opportunity is only shrinking with respect to his peers in an organization embodied by a tantalizing young core and cupboard stocked full of prospects.
With 57 career NHL games to his name, it’s time to live or let die for Leivo’s career in Toronto.
Upon the emergence of Andreas Johnsson and recent depth acquisition of Tyler Ennis on the left wings, it appears Maple Leafs’ GM Kyle Dubas and company may be leaning towards the latter of the equation.
Toronto Maple Leafs and Leivo
The Maple Leafs have a few different irons in the fire on both the trade front and UFA market. Told they're still pursuing de Haan, while they're exploring trade market on Martin & Leivo.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) July 3, 2018
In retrospect, teams who missed out on desired free agent targets have circled back to the Toronto Maple Leafs’ front office brass. Checking the availability of Toronto’s depth players is becoming something of a routine. This became increasingly evident with Matt Martin’s recent departure to the Islanders via trade.
Josh Leivo’s hype train was at an all-time high back in 2016-17. He managed to produce at a notable 0.77 PPG rate during a short 13-game audition. However, it has become increasingly clear that Leivo took a significant step back during the 2017-18 campaign, in which he only posted a single goal and 3 assists over a 16-game showcase.
He has all-but surpassed the AHL’s proving grounds at this point, either way, recording 124 points in 171 games is a strong indication of that.
Being inserted into the lineup for 16-sporadic games isn’t exactly setting anyone up for success. There does appear to be a roster spot that he can win this fall, but maybe Mike Babcock isn’t ever doing to feel comfortable playing him. His shot creation bodes well for NHL success, even though we’re looking at fairly small sample size. Leivo is a nice depth piece, but the Leafs, if they don’t have plans to play him, should allow him to play on a team where he might get some ice time.
After all, he just wants to play.
For the sake of his career, Josh Leivo needs to find ice-time somewhere before it’s too late.
The Maple Leafs should strongly consider their options moving forward.
At 25, Leivo’s age remains desirable compared to other depth signings the Toronto Maple Leafs have made. Josh Leivo provides Toronto with ample and affordable injury insurance should they need to utilize it, however, the cost of derailing a players career would not emanate well throughout an entity such as the NHLPA. Brooks Laich might tell you something similar, albeit under different circumstances.
The untapped potential is especially intriguing when it comes to low-risk, high-reward stakes. All things considered, Leivo’s performance throughout his erratic Maple Leaf career has been very good.
Second chances rarely work out.
Unless this ship turns around quick, Toronto already took their opportunity on his potential and it simply hasn’t worked out.
Leivo deserves a chance to play somewhere, and while there will be almost no return if the Leafs trade him, it’s something they should do if they don’t think he’ll be a regular this season.
If it comes down to it, there are plenty of internal candidates deserving of his spot on the NHL roster, including but not limited to several key members of the Calder Cup-winning Toronto Marlies, namely Carl Grundstrom and Trevor Moore, with an honourable mention of Dmytro Timashov who I believe is just beginning to flourish his output at the AHL level.
Next: Toronto Maple Leafs: Blue Line Targets vol 2
We can only imagine how daunting the process has been for Josh Leivo. Ultimately, he deserves a legitimate opportunity to fulfill his dream of becoming a full-time NHLer. Despite what skeptics may say about his situation, the talent to be a mainstay on another team is certainly there.