RAISING THE BAR

In his eight years on the circuit, Josh Leivo had never felt better.
His game was evolving - his confidence, booming - and seemingly nothing could slow the surge of adrenaline propelling him forward as an impact player.
But his campaign was cut short.
Too short.

"I was definitely off to a good start last year," Leivo said. "A really good start. Even around the time of the injury, I was picking it up and playing even better; some of the best hockey of my career.
"But, hey. That's the game.
"That's the way it goes."
Leivo suffered a fractured knee-cap during a December home game against the Vegas Golden Knights last year, ending a breakout season only 36 games in.
The 27-year-old was hit from behind as he chased down a loose puck at the defensive blueline, losing his balance and crashing knee-first into the side boards, with the weight of the 6-foot-4, 212-lb. Nick Holden riding him in.
Just like that, everything changed.
But on Saturday, more than 10 months after the season-ending incident, the dynamic left-winger officially began the next chapter of his career, signing a one-year, $875,000 deal with the Flames.
With it, he brings the memories of last year - both good and bad - and is pining to build on a gratifying first half.
"I think I even had an assist that game," Leivo said with a laugh. "I don't know what it was, exactly, but I was feeling great. Every game I tried to raise the bar even more. I guess with an increased opportunity, a bigger role, trust from the coaching staff, I was able to attack every game with confidence.
"It's unfortunate I didn't get to play out the rest of the year. But, if I look at what I was able to accomplish, the roll I was on and the steps that I took, I feel great about bringing that all to Calgary now."

Initially slated to miss up to three months, the injury took longer than expected to heal. As a result, Leivo did not return before the pandemic pause, and was not part of Vancouver's playoff roster, watching helplessly from his home as the Canucks made an impressive run to the second round of the bubble-based tourney.
"It's been an incredibly long journey," Leivo said. "I can't thank my family enough. My fiancée (Bianca) and my two boys (Zayne and Cruz, who was born last month), they've been a rock that have helped keep me together, and keep me motivated to get to the point that I'm at now."
When free agency opened back on Oct. 9, Leivo says that Flames GM Brad Treliving's name was first up on the caller ID.
So, while the decision to leave Vancouver didn't come easy, that, along with a few familiar faces, made the flight across the Rockies feel right.
"There's been some mutual interest for some time," Leivo said. "This year I couldn't, but I normally train with (Sean) Monahan and (Mark) Giordano in the off-season. Then, you see Marky (Jacob Markstrom) and Chris (Tanev) sign there as well. It was pretty enticing.
"I've always been in touch with the boys. This time, everything came together and we're all pretty excited about it."

Leivo was acquired by the Canucks in a trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs back in December of 2018. In only a calendar year on the west coast, he proved to be an excellent option anywhere in the Top-9, providing a punishing physical presence, an offensive punch, and a reliable, defensive game that helped solidify his place in the league.
As a right-shot winger who can play either side, Leivo's addition gives the Flames a versatile option that can have a positive impact no matter who plays with.
In all, he had seven goals and 19 points last season, and would have easily eclipsed a new career high in games played if not for the injury, which is now fully healed ("I've been feeling good for the past five months. It's been a lot of strength training, a lot of skating, all to really test it out. The intensity is picking up now, but it's been feeling great. No issues.")
In 169 career games spanning eight years in The Show, the Innisfil, Ont., native has 31 goals and 65 points.
He has yet to appear in a Stanley Cup Playoff game, but can see that playing out in the very near future with the Flaming C adorning his chest.
"Their mindset is all about winning right now," Leivo said. "They're a team that looks good on paper, so we've got to go out there and show it on the ice.
"And I think I can be a big part of that.
"I'm a pretty easy, meat-and-potatoes-type guy. I like to get into the dirty areas. get to the front of the net, and I think I've got a pretty good shot that can beat any goalie in this league.
"It's an exciting time to be a Flame."