Letting Leivo go will be a Steen type mistake. This guy has NEVER been given a fair chance despite him performing well and putting in his time. He spent years in juniors and with the Marlies, always a contributing player.
He gets called up, scores 5 goals in 5 games and what happens? He gets sent to the dog house on the 4th line and goes cold. What kind of choice is that? This guy is ready. At the very least, he is a 3rd liner. He has potential to be a 20 to 30 goal scorer in some teams top 6.
Why not give him a real chance? Put him in the top 6 to start the year, if he falters, waive him or move him. He'll probably get claimed anyway, so rather give him a chance and lose him for nothing than just lose him for nothing and watch him turn into a solid 2nd liner somewhere.
I'll say it again. Management is coming off as "knowing it all" by not giving Cowen a chance and treatment of some of our prospects and Leivo. Some of these choices are going to come back and bite them in the ass.