Former Vancouver Canucks Forward Josh Leivo Breaks KHL Goal Record, Eyes NHL Return
In a stunning turn of events, former Vancouver Canucks forward Josh Leivo has rewritten the record books in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), setting a new single-season goal-scoring record while playing for Salavat Yulaev Ufa. After spending years bouncing around the NHL as a depth player, Leivo has completely revitalized his career in Russia, proving himself as one of the most lethal goal scorers in professional hockey.
With this historic achievement, speculation is already growing that NHL teams will be eager to bring him back to North America this offseason.
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From NHL Role Player to KHL Superstar
Leivo’s journey to breaking the KHL’s single-season goal record is nothing short of remarkable. Before making the move overseas, he spent 10 seasons in the NHL, appearing in 265 games but never truly cementing himself as a top offensive player.
His NHL career began with the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he played 87 games, managing just 13 goals and 13 assists. In 2018, he was traded to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for Michael Carcone. During his time in Vancouver, Leivo put up respectable numbers, recording 17 goals and 37 points in 85 games. While he showed flashes of offensive skill, he never quite became a consistent top-six forward.
Following his stint with the Canucks, he signed with the Calgary Flames in 2020, but his time there—and subsequent stops in other NHL organizations—failed to provide him with a stable role. Eventually, he made the decision to take his talents overseas, joining Salavat Yulaev Ufa in the KHL, where his career took an unexpected and historic turn.
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Leivo’s Record-Breaking KHL Season
At the start of the new year, reports surfaced that Leivo was on an incredible scoring pace, putting him in contention to break the KHL’s single-season goal record. His ability to find the net at an astonishing rate—averaging 0.74 goals per game—was turning heads around the hockey world.
Initially, many doubted whether he could sustain this level of production for the entire season. Sergei Mozyakin’s long-standing record of 48 goals, set during the 2016-17 season, seemed safe. However, Leivo defied expectations by actually increasing his scoring output in the second half of the season.
Not only did he surpass Mozyakin’s record by scoring his 49th goal, but he also finished as the league’s leading scorer, adding 31 assists to reach a remarkable 80 points in 62 games. His dominance in the KHL has been nothing short of extraordinary, and it has completely changed the trajectory of his professional hockey career.
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A Second Chance at the NHL?
With Leivo now holding a place in KHL history, the natural question is: will he return to the NHL? Given his incredible goal-scoring ability this season, it’s almost certain that multiple NHL teams will be interested in signing him.
While his previous stints in the NHL didn’t yield the kind of production he has displayed in Russia, it’s clear that he has taken his game to another level. Whether it’s increased confidence, a different playing style, or simply finding the right system, Leivo has unlocked something in his game that was never fully realized during his time in North America.
NHL general managers are always looking for proven goal scorers, and with Leivo’s newfound reputation as an elite finisher, he could draw significant interest as a free agent this summer.
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Why NHL Teams Will Be Interested
1. Elite Goal-Scoring Ability – After breaking a long-standing KHL record, Leivo has demonstrated that he has the ability to score at a high level. Even if his production drops in the NHL, a player who can find the net consistently is always valuable.
2. Proven Experience in North America – Unlike some players who dominate overseas but struggle to adjust to the NHL, Leivo already has experience playing in North America. He understands the pace and physicality of the game and could transition back more smoothly than a player who has never played in the NHL.
3. Potential for a Bargain Contract – Since Leivo was never a major star in the NHL before, teams may be able to sign him at a reasonable price. If he can contribute 20-30 goals in a season, that could be an incredible value for a team looking to add scoring depth.
4. Increased Confidence and Development – Players sometimes need a change of scenery to unlock their full potential. Leivo’s time in Russia has clearly helped him refine his game, and he could return to the NHL as a much-improved version of himself.
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Where Could Leivo Land?
If Leivo does make an NHL return, several teams could be logical fits.
Vancouver Canucks – Could a reunion be in the works? With the Canucks still searching for reliable scoring depth, Leivo might be a valuable addition, especially given his history with the team.
Toronto Maple Leafs – Another former team, the Leafs are always in need of secondary scoring, and Leivo’s newfound finishing ability could be a welcome asset.
Edmonton Oilers – The Oilers rely heavily on Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl for offense, and adding a goal-scorer like Leivo to their middle-six could make their attack even more dangerous.
Any Team Looking for Value Scoring – A team with cap space limitations but in need of offensive firepower could see Leivo as a low-risk, high-reward signing. If he can bring even a portion of his KHL scoring success to the NHL, he could be a game-changer.
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What’s Next for Leivo?
With his record-breaking KHL season complete, all eyes will be on what Leivo decides to do next. Will he opt to stay in Russia and continue dominating the KHL, or will he seize the opportunity to return to the NHL and prove that he can be a top scorer in the world’s best league?
If he does return, he will face the challenge of adapting his game back to NHL competition. However, with his newfound scoring prowess, teams will undoubtedly be watching closely.
No matter what happens, one thing is clear—Josh Leivo’s career resurgence has been one of the most unexpected and fascinating stories in recent hockey history. If he can bring his KHL success back to the NHL, his journey will serve as a testament to perseverance, development, and the unpredictable nature of professional hockey.
