Toronto Maple Leafs: Josh Leivo trade is the best outcome
By James Reeve
The Toronto Maple Leafs traded Josh Leivo to the Vancouver Canucks and the deal should be looked on favourably by fans of the team.
Josh Leivo has had a difficult time breaking into the Toronto Maple Leafs roster ever since he was selected in the third round (86th overall) in the 2011 draft.
The Innisfil, Ontario native spent two more seasons in the OHL after being selected by the Leafs before being brought in the Toronto Marlies set-up, beginning a four-year spell of yo-yoing between the AHL and NHL clubs.
Leivo’s 51 goals and 124 total points in 171 AHL games with the Marlies showed that he certainly had potential, but he just didn’t seem able to cement his position for long enough to prove it to the Leafs.
At 25 years old, Leivo entered the 2018-19 season with 57 total appearances in the NHL and was coming off a career-high 16 regular season appearances in 2017-18.
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Despite making 27 appearances this season, the writing still appeared to be on the wall for the 6 foot 1, 203 pounds winger.
Leivo averaged 10:32 on the ice, lower than his career average, and started just 35.6 percent of the time in the offensive zone.
Despite this, he chipped in four goals and a further two assists. But with William Nylander expected to return at any moment, Leivo was often spoken about as being one of the players who could be moved to accommodate this.
Rumours last season suggested the Leivo was looking for the team to trade him due to his lack of ice time, being a healthy scratch for almost the entire season.
Finally, Leivo has his wish and will not be left on the sidelines now that Nylander has returned.
In Vancouver, Leivo could have a legitimate impact as a bottom-six forward, with the Canucks needing some extra support further down their line-up.
In return, the Toronto Maple Leafs received a player who can actually help them in the long-run.
Michael Carcone is a questionable talent at the NHL level, but he is on a hot streak in the AHL – something that seemed to start in last season’s playoffs.
In 20 regular season games, Carcone has six goals and 17 total points – a tally that would see him sit joint-third in total points for his new team.
The reigning Calder Cup champions have had a somewhat shaky start to their title defence, and adding a player who is building up to be a legitimately top player in the minors could go a long way to steadying the ship for head coach Sheldon Keefe.
While many fans of the Toronto Maple Leafs have been rooting for Leivo to stay with the team, this deal should be viewed in a positive light.
The Leafs have acquired a player who should have a positive impact on their affiliates and Leivo gets to have a legitimate opportunity at remaining in the NHL.
It’s always a shame to see young, passionate players moved, but the Leafs now have a 22-year-old they can work with and see if he has any NHL potential of his own.
Next. Josh Leivo traded to make room for Nylander. dark
What do you think Leafs Nation? Are you happy with the deal? Do you think Carcone will have a positive impact with the Marlies? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.