Leafs’ Leivo angling for more ice time

53 Leaf games since first appearing in 2013-14 and the 21 points he’s managed in that span underline his value to Toronto or another team if they could swing a deal.

Toronto general manager Lou Lamoriello does not like to be forced into a corner, which the Leivo camp seems to wish to avoid as well.

“I do want to play for the Leafs, that’s why I signed for another year,” said Leivo, who turns 25 this spring. “I still want to get in the lineup ... but two years, 20 games (the most recent two seasons), it’s not enough.

“We’ve had good years and tough years. It’s been a great experience, I want to continue it here. We’ve had a good relationship and hopefully this works out right, I can get in and help them win.”

Leivo has taken part in countless practices with plenty of extra work in gameday skates after the starters depart.

“It’s a tough lineup to crack,” he conceded. “We have a good team here. They help you get through it. You go home, you have friends and family, they keep you positive. But you want to play.”

He has not considered a conditioning stint with the Toronto Marlies, an option Nikita Soshnikov took, though the latter’s situation was complicated by injury and the need for immediate game action.

Leivo and Soshnikov are hardly alone in their desire to get more opportunity. Fourth-line centre Dominic Moore was getting antsy about his role as the younger Gauthier played a number of games until the youngster was recently demoted. Forward Matt Martin has sat six games, another casualty of Kapanen’s promotion.

Head coach Mike Babcock didn’t think the looming trade deadline would affect game preparation for the team in coming days, even though five straight dates at home will likely lead to more speculation. Potential freeagent James van Riemsdyk is also no doubt wondering what his fate could be by the Feb. 26 deadline.

“There are always distractions, that’s what life’s about,” Babcock said. “Since we brought (smartphones into day-to-day existence), people live for distractions ...

“So I don’t think (trade rumours) will get in the way of guys playing. Is it going to make them ponder at times when they’re away from the rink? Absolutely.” nationalpost.com