Report: Leafs turned down trade of talented 24-year-old

In his latest article for Sportsnet, NHL insider Chris Johnston takes a long look at 24-year-old forward Josh Leivo of the Toronto Maple Leafs and wonders how he’l fit into the team’s lineup. Leivo has been a stand out amongst the team’s forward group during training camp and the preseason, but given the sheer volume and calibre of forwards the team has on its roster, it looks like Leivo is defined for the AHL’s Toronto Marlies once again.

Which begs the question, is he better served being traded elsewhere? The Leafs protected Leivo in the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft, so clearly he has value to the team and is in their future plans. But, does it make sense for a player who should be coming into his prime to go back for a fourth full season of minor-league hockey? According to Johnston, at least one team has enquired about acquiring Leivo through trade, but was rebuffed by Leafs management.

Check it out:

"At least one rival team has made a serious trade inquiry with the Leafs, but found the asking price to be prohibitively high.”

Interesting. That quote has led to speculation amongst Leafs fans what the asking price might be. Outside of a single 20+ goal season in the AHL and a single 30+ goal season in the OHL, Leivo has never put up big numbers in his career. Are the Leafs really holding out for much more than a draft pick in exchange for Leivo?

The Leafs would love to acquire another impact defenseman, but chances are Leivo won’t fetch that kind of return on his own. Can the Leafs package him up with picks and prospects for something a little bigger? What do you think the Leafs should do with Josh Leivo?