Former Leaf Joshua Leivo Dominating KHL with Red-Hot Scoring Streak

Joshua Leivo is making waves in the KHL, proving to be one of the league’s most electrifying players this season. The former Toronto Maple Leaf is currently leading the KHL in points, and his recent form has been nothing short of spectacular—scoring four hat tricks in the last 26 days for Ufa Salavat Yulaev.

Leivo, who signed a one-year contract with Ufa, has amassed an incredible 39 goals, 21 assists, and 60 points in just 45 games, putting up numbers that far exceed his previous production in North America.

Leivo’s Journey: From NHL Depth Player to KHL Superstar

Despite showing flashes of skill in the NHL, Leivo struggled to find a permanent role, bouncing between multiple teams. Over 265 career NHL games, he posted 42 goals and 51 assists but never played more than 51 games in a single season—a mark he set with the St. Louis Blues in 2022-23.

Now, thriving in the KHL, Leivo has reinvented himself as an elite offensive threat, showcasing the scoring touch that made him a highly regarded prospect early in his career.

Could Leivo Be an NHL Free Agent Target?

With Leivo’s KHL contract expiring this summer, he will be a free agent, free to return to North America if the opportunity arises.

The Toronto Maple Leafs, among other NHL teams, could look at bringing Leivo back as a low-risk, high-reward signing—especially given their need for depth scoring on the left wing. At 30 years old, Leivo could still have plenty to offer, and his resurgence overseas could make him an intriguing option for teams looking for scoring depth at an affordable price.

Would the Leafs consider giving Leivo another shot? Could another NHL team take a chance on his goal-scoring resurgence?

Time will tell—but Leivo is making a strong case for an NHL return.