Former Maple Leaf Josh Leivo Ends Speculation, Reportedly Signs New Contract
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
After having his contract terminated by his old NHL club Salavat, former Maple Leafs forward Josh Leivo has reportedly found a new home with Traktor Chelyabinsk.
With the news that former Maple Leafs forward Josh Leivo was going to have his contract terminated for undetermined reasons, the KHL's goal-scoring record setting player was set to be a free agent with the potential of making an NHL comeback.
There was certainly time for Leivo to weigh his options, come to a solid conclusion and focus on the next chapter of his career.
Josh Leivo's Staying With KHL; Reportedly Signs One-Year Deal
Surely, it's going to take a bit of time right?
Well, that was quick, and it seems that while Leivo didn't have a spot with Salavat, he found a new one in Traktor Chelyabinsk.
The move comes on the heels of Leivo's termination, as well as Traktor's trade of Mike Vecchione to fellow club Barys Astana earlier this summer.
The contract is for 90-million Russian rubles, which equates to a $1.12-million deal in USD; not too shabby although that initial signing price may make some a bit surprised.
Last season, Leivo was absolutely unstoppable. He set the record for most goals in a KHL season (49) and was poised to have another outstanding season with Ufa Salavat before this whole contract nonsense transpired.
Josh Leivo Could Translate Strong Season Into NHL Job
So with a new team to focus on helping; one that has a couple of stragglers from the NHL on the team in Jack Rodewald and Alexander Chemlevski.
He'll no doubt be the focal point of the team's offense, and will look to help them get past the league semifinals and potentially fight for the Gagarin Cup.
If he does so, and puts up a strong statistical season, there are several teams who need some depth that could certainly add someone the caliber of Leivo, and it's not like he's a stranger to the NHL.
In 265 games, Leivo posted 93 points (42 goals, 51 assists) while playing for the Maple Leafs, Canucks, Blues, Flames and Hurricanes; and he's only 32 so he wouldn't be too old to offer a veteran hand.
Speaking of coming back, there was a potential reunion that could have been had with the Maple Leafs, and while it might not happen this season; they have a lot of space and money next year and might have a cheap and familiar option available.
For Leivo now though, he focuses on helping Traktor dominate the league once again, and he could be good enough to earn a job back in North America.
