Man of the Week: Joshua Leivo
KHL.ru continues its weekly column with Joshua Leivo. The Canadian forward netted two hat-tricks in five days to end 2024 on a strong note and lead the league with an impressive 26 goals in 35 games.
Joshua Leivo has been a standout performer for Salavat Yulaev since his first day with the team. His recent hat-trick against Amur on Dec. 25, 2024, was instrumental in securing a 5:4 victory for his team. Just five days later, in Ufa’s last game of 2024, Leivo repeated the feat, posting his second KHL hat-trick in Salavat Yulaev’s huge 6:0 win over Barys. These performances contributed to Salavat Yulaev’s position at the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
Early years
Born on May 26, 1993, in Innisfil, Ontario, Canada, Leivo’s career began in the Ontario Hockey League with the Sudbury Wolves. In the 2010-2011 season, he tallied 13 goals and 17 assists in 64 games. His performance improved in the following season, recording 73 (32+41) points in 66 games. These impressive stats led to his selection by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the third round, 86th overall, of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.
Climbing up the ranks
Leivo began his professional career with the Toronto Marlies in the American Hockey League, the Leafs’ affiliates, during the 2013-2014 season, where he notched 23 goals and 19 assists in 59 games. He made his NHL debut with the Maple Leafs the same season, scoring his first NHL goal on Oct. 17, 2013. Over parts of six seasons with Toronto, he accumulated 14 goals and 14 assists in 84 games.
In December 2018, Leivo was traded to the Vancouver Canucks. During the 2018-2019 season, he registered 10 goals and 8 assists in 49 games with Vancouver. The following season, he posted 7 goals and 12 assists in 36 games before a knee injury ended his season. Leivo signed with the Calgary Flames for the 2020-2021 campaign, recording 6 goals and 3 assists in 38 games. He then joined the Carolina Hurricanes for the 2021-2022 season, contributing 1 goal and 2 assists in 7 games. Throughout his NHL career, Leivo amassed 42 goals and 51 assists in 265 games.
Move to the KHL
In the 2022-2023 season, Leivo left North America for his first experience abroad, moving to the KHL, signing with Salavat Yulaev. In his debut season, he recorded 18 goals and 22 assists in 56 games, quickly becoming a key player for the team. His current season performance has been even stronger, leading the league so far in both goals (26) and points (41).
Leivo’s impact on Salavat Yulaev is evident not only in his numbers but also in the team’s success. His offensive skills have been a significant factor in the team’s rise to the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
Future prospects
In addition to his scoring abilities, Leivo's experience and versatility have been critical to his team. Standing at 188 cm and weighing 87 kgs, he brings a physical presence to the ice, complemented by his right-handed shot. His ability to play both left- and right-wing positions provides the coaching staff with flexibility in line combinations.
Moreover, he developed strong chemistry with fellow imports Alexander Chmelevsky and Sheldon Rempal (second in scoring in the team), making Ufa one of the teams to watch in the East. With Nathan Todd thrown in the mix, and Scott Wilson just moving in from Metallurg, Salavat Yulaev’s international contingent is one of the best in the league.
