Toronto Maple Leafs: Is Josh Levio safe despite being protected?
By Omar L
The protected list for the Toronto Maple Leafs is out for the public, but Josh Leivo being protected may not mean he stays with the team.
The protected players list is out after months of waiting. Unlike other teams, the Toronto Maple Leafs didn’t have too many surprises. some fans are having a difficult time understanding protecting Josh Leivo over Brendan Leipsic.
Something to keep in mind is that Leivo being protected doesn’t guarantee he stays with the team. It’s very possible that the reason the Leafs decided to protect the 2011 third round pick is eventually move him in the offseason.
In any mock trade created or thought of, all include the Leafs trading a young forward (roster player or prospect). It’s never easy to sell a trade partner on a prospect unless they’re elite. There have been many instances where a very good AHL player can’t get it done in the NHL. Some teams are willing to take that risk, whereas others would rather trade for someone who has more insurance.
Enter Leivo
The right-winger put up some good numbers in his three main seasons with the Toronto Marlies:
- 2013-2014: 23 Goals, 19 Assists, 42 Points in 59 Games
- 2014-2015: 11 Goals, 21 Assists, 32 Points in 51 Games
- 2015-2016: 17 Goals, 31 Assists, 48 Points in 51 Games
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In terms of prospects, these are the kind of numbers a team may be looking for. Leivo was always praised for his speed, size, and most importantly his shot. Leivo’s shot was a weapon in the AHL and many hoped that the offence would be able to translate to the NHL.
For the past four seasons, Leivo has had sniffs with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Ignoring the fact that said sniffs were short-lived, one thing that couldn’t be denied was that he could produce at the NHL level. In particular, his last two seasons:
- 2015-2016: 5 Goals in 12 Games
- 2016-2017: 2 Goals, 8 Assists, 10 Points in 13 Games
Leipsic had his time in the NHL as well, however you could see the rationale of a team that sees Leivo as the more attractive option.
Barring any dramatic changes, the roster will look very similar to this past season’s. Meaning, Leivo will be the 13th or 14th forward. Additionally, with him needing waivers to be sent down the Marlies, Leivo would be Corrado 2.0 waiting for an injury to draw in.
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Does that make sense?
Goal scoring is at a premium in the NHL. A team that is looking to go young and add offence could look to want to add Leivo. Who knows, maybe the Leafs were getting calls on Leivo’s availability and the deal wasn’t right. Either way, I would be surprised if the Leafs handled Leivo the same way next season. Leivo may have been protected from Toronto, but he is far from being safe.