Leivo thrives on line with Canucks’ young stars

The Leafs traded Josh Leivo two weeks ago.

VANCOUVER— For years, Josh Leivo fought for a permanent roster spot with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Now the 25-year-old leftwinger is playing big minutes with some of the best young athletes in the game, albeit in a Vancouver Canucks uniform.

So far the transition has been smooth.

“It’s a young group of guys, very light and fun in the room. So that was easy to come into,” Leivo said Saturday. “And on the ice, everyone looks l i ke they want to win.”

As the Leafs closed in on a deal with William Nylander earlier this month, Leivo’s spot on the fourth line seemed in jeopardy. Toronto general manager Kyle Dubas had promised to find another home for the Innisfil, Ont., native if he wasn’t going to be a constant in the Leafs lineup.

And so it came to be on Dec. 3 when Leivo was dealt to Vancouver in exchange for Michael Carcone.

In his first five games with the Canucks, Leivo has two goals and an assist while averaging 14:50 in ice time. He had six points (four goals, two assists) in 27 games for the Leafs this season.

Leivo has been playing on a line with right-winger Brock Boeser and centre Elias Pettersson, who are both known for putting up highlight reelworthy goals. Moving up to Vancouver’s top line left Leivo “a little shaky” at the end of his first game, but he said he’s adjusted quickly.

Whether Leivo will continue playing with the dynamic duo is up to him, said Canucks head coach Travis Green.

“It’s a pretty good opportunity when you’re playing with (Pettersson) and (Boeser). That’s a spot that I think a lot of people in the NHL would love to have,” Green said. “And so far he’s had some glimmers of what we want to see.”

Playing with Boeser and Pettersson is a bit of a confidence boost, Leivo said.

“Obviously I still have to contribute my part,” he said. “They’re doing their thing, they’re flying around out there. But at the same time, I’ve got to get in there and get the pucks for them and play my game.”