Vancouver Canucks trade for Toronto Maple Leafs forward Josh Leivo
After signing WilliamNylander, the Toronto Maple Leafs have solved a brief roster issue by trading JoshLeivo to the Vancouver Canucks for prospect Michael Carcone.
The Toronto Maple Leafs recently signed RFA forward William Nylander at the last minute, barely beating Saturday’s 5:00 p.m. ET deadline. His absence allowed the Leafs to get a closer look at certain players. One of them? Forward Josh Leivo, who is now heading to the Vancouver Canucks.
In 27 games, he posted six points. That wasn’t enough to save his job. People speculated the Leafs might put either Martin Marincin or Justin Holl on waivers. However, Leivo drew the short end of the straw and is now heading to the Western Conference.
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The Leafs are getting prospect Michael Carcone. He’s a 22-year-old forward who has spent the past two seasons with the Utica Comets, this being his third season. Last season, Carcone set a career high with 27 points, including 15 goals. He’s off to a strong start this year, with six goals and 17 points in 20 games.
Considering Toronto was backed into a wall, this is a pretty good trade for them. They got something for someone they had no spot for and managed to help out their AHL affiliate Toronto Marlies a bit as well. Expect Carcone to join the Marlies soon and help them as they try to defend their Calder Cup title.
For the Canucks, they’ll likely give Leivo playing time and see if he sticks. Given their downward spiral towards the bottom of the standings, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t be more than willing to see what he’s got. Leivo has shown flashes of brilliance but was never able to do so consistently enough to warrant playing time on a Leafs team looking to win a Stanley Cup.
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The Canucks need more skilled forwards. Leivo could be one for them, so this is a solid risk to take. And they didn’t have to give up much to get him. Leivo is not waiver exempt, so expect him to stick on the NHL roster. For now, anyways.