Maple Leafs' Josh Leivo: Advice from coach yields returns

Leivo was motivated by some offseason advice from Leafs coach Mike Babcock to get stronger and work on his skating, and his game has improved significantly over the summer, reports the Toronto Sun.

Analysis:

"His game is better this far at training camp than it was last year and he's pushing hard to make the team," Leafs assistant coach Jim Hiller said on Saturday. Leivo had a goal and an assist in a training camp scrimmage Saturday and he has made one of the strongest early impressions among the 68 players in camp. He has always had outstanding hands. Leivo will be in tough to earn a roster spot, but if he does, he might have value as a cheap plugger who can snipe.