Former Maple Leafs Winger Absolutely Torching the KHL, Breaks League Record

Josh Leivo, who last played in the NHL during the 2022-23 season with the St. Louis Blues, was unable to secure a contract with any NHL team for the following season. As a result, he signed a one-year deal with Ufa Salavat Yulayev in the KHL.

Since joining the KHL, Leivo has been on an absolute tear, especially recently. He just scored his fourth hat trick, setting a new record for the most hat tricks in KHL regular-season history.

As per hockey.worldwide on Instagram:

Leivo currently leads the KHL in both goals (37) and points (58) through 43 games this season.

Drafted by the Maple Leafs in the third round of the 2011 NHL Draft, Leivo played 83 games for Toronto, recording 28 points. Despite showing promise, he was often a healthy scratch and was eventually traded to the Vancouver Canucks in 2018 in exchange for Michael Carcone.

The highlight of Leivo's North American hockey career came in 2022 when he won the Calder Cup with the Chicago Wolves and was named MVP of the playoffs.

It's worth noting that all four of Leivo's hat tricks this season have come in the last 10 games, making him one of the most exciting players to watch right now outside of the NHL.

His impressive performance overseas could catch the attention of an NHL team, potentially earning him another shot in North America. By the appearance of things, it would be well-deserved.