Leivo ‘excited’ to get another chance with Leafs

Josh Leivo isn't going anywhere.

That much was evident when the Toronto Maple Leafs protected the winger ahead of the expansion draft, leaving fellow frontman Brendan Leipsic free for the taking by the Vegas Golden Knights.

And while a move to Sin City would have offered a fresh start for Leivo, he's excited to remain with the club that originally drafted him six years ago.

That enthusiasm was shared by Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock, whose message to Leivo in the team's year-end meetings in April was an early reveal to Leivo that he'd be sticking around in Toronto.

"You didn't know what was going to happen at the time, but when they informed me they wanted to keep me, it was wonderful to hear," Leivo told Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun. "They wanted to develop me and keep me on the roster. I'm very excited they gave me that opportunity. I just want to go out this year and prove myself to them."

A series of unfortunate injuries limited Leivo's appearances last season, as did a bout of healthy scratches courtesy of Babcock. All in all, Leivo wrapped the year with 13 games with the Maple Leafs, in which he compiled an impressive 10 points. He also skated in five games with the AHL's Marlies.

Where he fits on Toronto's roster going forward, particularly one already crowded with young talent, remains to be seen. The 24-year-old also understands that it could be now or never to get his NHL career on track, and he's thrilled to have the chance to make his mark with the Maple Leafs.

"As you get older, you realize what's at stake and you want to make the most of the chance," Leivo added. "We have a group who built a lot of chemistry last year. Even when I wasn't playing, they were still great to me and when I got in, I felt like I hadn't missed a game. Hopefully this season is even better."

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