Man of the Week: Joshua Leivo
KHL.ru’s weekly column goes on with Joshua Leivo. The Salavat Yulaev forward set a new record with 49 goals in this year’s regular season, surpassing Sergei Mozyakin’s record set back in the 2016-2017 campaign.
Last week, Joshua Leivo has etched his name into the league’s record books. On Saturday, in a game against Barys, Leivo scored his 49th goal of the season, surpassing Sergei Mozyakin's previous record of 48 goals set during the 2016-2017 season. The record-breaking goal came in the 51st minute of the game, marking Ufa's third goal in a decisive 4:1 victory over the Kazakhs. Leivo’s teammates were instrumental in creating opportunities for him throughout the match, with the Canadian forward registering five shots on goal before clinching the historic tally. This goal not only secured the win but also cemented Leivo's status as one of the league’s elite scorers.
Moreover, Leivo was awarded Forward of the Week honors, thanks to 6 (4+2) points in three games last week, with a plus-3 differential. Other than the historical tally, Leivo also scored the game-winner for Salavat Yulaev in Thursday’s 3:1 victory over Sibir, marking his seventh game-winning goal for this season. He ended with 80 points, eleven more than second-placed Nikita Gusev.
New contract in Ufa
After such a strong season with Salavat Yulaev, many were wondering where he would continue his career after his deal in Ufa would run out next May. However, Leivo put rumors to an end when he inked a new two-year deal in February.
It was of course an excellent deal for Salavat Yulaev, who will have his top player retained until 2027 – the same as Alexander Chmelevsky. Scott Wilson, Sheldon Rempal and Nathan Todd, who also played an excellent season in Ufa, don’t have at the moment a contract for the next season. It’s likely that the Bashkortostan franchise will make an effort to retain its international player in sight of the new season, especially in case of a deep playoff run.
Playoff aspirations
As the regular season concludes, Salavat Yulaev Ufa is gearing up for the playoffs, set to face Sibir Novosibirsk in the opening round starting Thursday. The team is determined to advance beyond the first round, a hurdle that has eluded them in the past two seasons. Leivo's recent form will be crucial in this endeavor; last year, he amassed nine points over six games, showcasing his readiness for postseason challenges.
Leivo's contributions have been instrumental in Ufa's offensive success. His chemistry with linemates Sheldon Rempal and Alexander Chmelevski has created one of the league's most formidable attacking units. Additionally, the mid-season acquisition of Scott Wilson from Metallurg has bolstered Ufa’s forward depth, making them a formidable opponent in the playoffs.
Statistical highlights
Leivo's statistical achievements this season are noteworthy. In 59 games, he has recorded 45 goals and 29 assists, totaling 74 points. His plus-minus rating stands at +23, reflecting his positive impact during even-strength play. With 280 shots on goal, Leivo maintains a shooting percentage of 16.1%, averaging 4.8 shots per game. His ability to perform in various situations is evident, with 31 even-strength goals and 14 power-play goals.
Leivo's versatility extends beyond scoring. His average time on ice per game is 20:03, one of the top in the league among forwards, underscoring his role as a key player in Ufa’s lineup.
Looking ahead
As the playoffs loom, Leivo's record-breaking season has set high expectations. Ufa's aspirations to progress deep into the postseason will heavily rely on his offensive leadership and experience. The upcoming series against Sibir presents an opportunity for Leivo and his teammates to showcase their best game and determination.
