New Details Emerge Surrounding the Controversial Contract Termination of Former Canucks Forward
Photo credit: NHL
Some new details have emerged surrounding the contract termination of a former Vancouver Canucks forward who has been overseas for the last two seasons.
The 2024-25 season was one that former Vancouver Canucks forward Josh Leivo won't be forgetting anytime soon as he became the first Canadian player to become KHL MVP, while breaking the league's single-season goals record by registering 49 in 62 games.
Earlier this week,a report circulated that Ufa Salavat Yulaev, Leivo's club, were going to terminate his contract just months after signing a multi-year extension that was set to pay him 110 million rubles ($1.89 million CAD).
The report ended up being correct, with Leivo's contract officially announced on Wednesday by the KHL in a post on social media.
"Salavat Yulaev terminated the contract with forward Joshua Leivo by mutual agreement. In the 2024/2025 season, Leivo played 76 matches for the Ufa club, in which he scored 95 (51+44) points - he became the top scorer, sniper and most valuable player of the regular championship. In total, he has 122 games in the KHL, 70 goals scored and 72 assists." the KHL said.
New details emerge regarding Josh Leivo's contract termination in the KHL
A couple of different reasons for Josh Leivo's contract termination have been mentioned in recent days, from him being late to training camp due to his visa not being issued on time and Ufa Salavat Yulaev reportedly going through some financial difficulties.
While both might be true, it looks like the latter played a much bigger role as according to Hockey Worldwide on Instagram, Ufa Salavat Yulaev reportedly approached Leivo to see if he would reduce his salary and when the former Canuck refused to, the club terminated his contract.
"Before terminating his contract, Salavat Yulaev Ufa requested forward Joshua Leivo to restructure his contract with a reduced salary.
Leivo declined and his two-year, ₽110M AAV contract was terminated." Hockey Worldwide said.
Leivo declined and his two-year, ₽110M AAV contract was terminated." Hockey Worldwide said.
Leivo isn't expected to be without a new home for long, with other KHL clubs, including Traktor Chelyabinsk, the former club of current Vancouver Canuck Vitali Kravtsov, who returned from Russia and signed a one-year deal back on August 5th.
During his two seasons in the Kontintenal Hockey League, the Innisfil, Ontario native has put up 118 points (64 goals, 54 assists), 76 penalty minutes and is a plus-37 in 102 games.
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