Maple Leafs’ Josh Leivo is a useful asset for a package deal
By Simon Vacca
Josh Leivo’s future with the Toronto Maple Leafs continues to serve as a subject of widespread speculation. The promise that the winger brings renders him a strong candidate for a package deal.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are set to head into the 2018-19 NHL season with one of the most depth-ridden rosters in the National Hockey League.
Propelled by the likes of a three-headed monster at center — consisting of John Tavares, Auston Matthews, and Nazem Kadri — along with devastating wingers such as Mitch Marner, William Nylander and Patrick Marleau, the team’s weapons are seemingly endless. And although history has taught fans of the Buds to be cautious in their expression of excitement, few would doubt the notion that the upcoming year all but promises to be different. Betting odds continue to be tilted in the club’s favour, while reminders of recent gestures to hope — “John Tavares is a Leaf,” after all — loom large over all things hockey-related.
In a summer that has seen the trauma of a disastrous Game 7 not necessarily erased, but most certainly replaced by the growth of a culture of winning ways, one question runs rampant. What’s next for the Maple Leafs?
In his examination of the state of the franchise heading into year five of the “Shanaplan,” James Mirtle of The Athletic explains that the Buds’ depth chart is especially deep — particularly when it comes to the positions of center and right wing, respectively. Because of this, “media-driven trade speculation” is often quick to deal one of the aforementioned Nylander, Kasperi Kapanen or Connor Brown in proposals geared toward strengthening the team’s blue line.
Mirtle makes two rather astute observations regarding thoughts of this nature. First and foremost is his recognition that this line of inquiry is merely a byproduct of the club’s “wealth of talent” on its right side. The second is his suggestion that Josh Leivo is not only set to act as a “fill-in option,” but is also readily available as a moveable piece on the trade market as the next campaign approaches.
The question of Leivo’s future — or lack thereof — with the organization is one that has lingered for quite some time. He reportedly asked for a trade back in February of this year — a claim that was ultimately refuted by former Maple Leafs GM Lou Lamoriello later that month. As such, the talk circuit of Toronto media has consistently entertained the prospect of moving the winger, as well as the matter of what a trade for Leivo could potentially yield.
Whether Leivo will remain a member of the blue and white shall surely serve as a subject of rumination until an administrative decision is eventually reached. While the costs and benefits of a move of this degree will continue to be weighed by both pundits and fans alike, the issue of Leivo’s value in relation to a package deal is a topic that risks being overlooked.
To argue that Leivo fits the mold of a career AHLer is, simply put, a view that is narrow and short-sighted.
Between the 2013-14 season and the present moment, the 25-year-old has appeared in 57 NHL games — during which he has amassed 10 goals and 22 points. The catch, however, lies in a closer review of Leivo’s statistics, as he has averaged just 10:51 of ice time over the course of his relatively short stints with the Buds. Leivo’s average ice time was at its peak in the 2016-17 season, when he clocked approximately 12:34 on a nightly basis. Naturally, his rate of production increased, in that he totalled 2 goals and 10 points throughout 13 appearances — a potential sign, that is, of what the winger can do when afforded additional opportunities to demonstrate his value.
For some, such as The Athletic‘s Ian Tulloch, Leivo’s recurring moments of promise are more than enough proof of the degree to which he deserves to be given a shot at cracking a permanent spot on Mike Babcock’s roster. After all, if the Vegas Golden Knights can make the most of Jonathan Marchessault, Erik Haula and Alex Tuch — each of whom was left for dead at some point, but eventually proved to be productive when provided a chance to flourish — why can’t the Maple Leafs do the same with Leivo?
The answer, it seems, is twofold. Not only do the Buds have more than enough options on their right side to spare, but Leivo’s lack of presence on the penalty kill — the special teams avenue through which up and coming stars can most definitely differentiate themselves in Babcock’s system — all but ensures that he will fall further down the depth chart so long as he remains among the franchise’s ranks. It’s only natural, therefore, for the club to undertake ulterior measures in their management of assets.
If there is a constant that has informed Leivo’s limited stints in the NHL, it is that of a quality of promise. And in a league in which an expansion franchise can rally within eyesight of Lord Stanley’s trophy, that quality of promise cannot be underestimated.
Should rumblings of a looming move be true — a legitimate push, that is, on the part of GM Kyle Dubas for Justin Faulk, or Colton Parayko, or Tyler Myers, or just about any form of defensive upgrade — the Maple Leafs would be wise to include Leivo as a selling feature in their broader pitch. Because his statistics point to the fact that he is NHL ready, and is likely aching for a shot at attaining permanent standing. Because the Buds’ depth is extensive enough that the team can afford to part ways with one of its valuable pieces.
Above all, because this is a league where promise sells — perhaps now more than ever before.
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He could wind up a career call-up. Or, in the eyes of the right buyer, he could be comparable to another Marchessault. Something of a so-called “misfit,” yes — but a shining one, at that.
It’s your turn, Mr. Dubas.