BREAKING: Former Maple Leaf Officially Leaves The NHL

PUBLICATION

James Connelly
September 15, 2023 (9:15)

SHARE THIS STORY

A former Toronto Maple Leaf has decided to leave the NHL and take his talents overseas.

Leivo Signs In Russia

It was just announced that Josh Leivo, formerly of the Toronto Maple Leafs, has signed a contract with Salavat of the KHL.

Josh Leivo signs one-year contract with Salavat.

Leivo was originally selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the third round of the 2011 NHL draft and played in parts of six seasons with the Leafs. He left the Leafs in the middle of the 2018-19 season to play for the Canucks where he would register a career-high in games played with 76 games and 24 points.

The next year he posted 19 points in 36 games (43-point pace). Leivo has bounced around the past couple of years playing with the Flames, Hurricanes, and Blues last year. He seems to be one of those players too good for the AHL but one that never gets their NHL shot.

He will now look for a fresh start in Russia and hopefully prove he is worthy of an NHL contract for the 2024-25 campaign.

POLL
SEPTEMBRE 15 \| 626 ANSWERS BREAKING: Former Maple Leaf Officially Leaves The NHL Will Josh Leivo ever return to the NHL?
Yes	166	26.5 %
No	460	73.5 %
List of polls

MUST READ

Mar 5, 2011; Toronto, ON, Canada; CBC sportscaster Elliotte Friedman talks to Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews (19) before the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre. The Blackhawks beat the Maple Leafs 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-Imagn Images

1 hour ago | By Chris Gerics

Elliotte Friedman: Teams Pushing to Reunite Schenn Brothers in Potential Trade

Feb 4, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Brock Boeser (6) during a stop in play against the Colorado Avalanche in the third period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

7 hours ago | By Chris Gerics

40-Goal Scorer Linked to the Toronto Maple Leafs in New Report, per Insider

May 21, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CANADA; Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving listens to a question during a media conference to introduce new head coach Craig Berube (right) at Ford Performance Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

8 hours ago | By Chris Gerics

Brad Treliving and Maple Leafs Urged to Make a Push for Star Free Agent Defenseman

Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) looks on against Team Finland in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

9 hours ago | By Chris Gerics

Auston Matthews Breaks Silence on Heartbreaking Four Nations Finals Loss to Team Canada

Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) looks on against Team Finland in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

11 hours ago | By Chris Gerics

Leafs Captain Auston Matthews Trolls Reporter Over Absurd 4 Nations Final Question

Former NHL player turned analyst Paul Bissonnette walks through the crowd at an unidentified NHL event. Mandatory Credit: Ben Jackson/NHL.com

12 hours ago | By Chris Gerics

Paul Bissonnette Rips Into Americans for Disgraceful Behavior After Four Nations Loss to Canada

Jan 4, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner (16) congratulate Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) after his goal against the Boston Bruins during the third period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

13 hours ago | By Chris Gerics

Matthews and Marner's Game Status Officially Revealed - Full Projected Lineup vs. the Hurricanes

Feb 1, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Pacioretty (67) waits for the play to begin against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

14 hours ago | By Chris Gerics