TORONTO - For Josh Leivo, the timing of his recall from the American Hockey League couldn't have been better.

The 22-year-old forward was riding a five-game point streak with the Toronto Marlies when he was called up by the Maple Leafs this week. With his entry-level contract set to expire at the end of the season, Leivo has been given a prime opportunity to show head coach Mike Babcock what he can do on the ice.

Leivo, who had 30 points in 35 AHL games, is hoping to build on his strong start to the season. He was third on the AHL team in points and his 11 goals matched his total from last season.

"That's going to help with the confidence a little bit," he said. "The offence is there right now so hopefully I can just keep bringing it. Just stay consistent on the defensive side, and the offence will be there."

Leivo, who was drafted by the Leafs in the third round (No. 86 overall) in 2011, has three points in 16 career NHL games. Wednesday's game against Columbus will be his first NHL appearance in nearly a year.

"We'll try to give him an opportunity and a good opportunity," Babcock said Tuesday. "I think it's real important to find out what you have in your own group before you go looking elsewhere for help."

A roster spot opened up for Leivo when the Maple Leafs learned James van Riemsdyk would be sidelined for at least six weeks due to a non-displaced fracture in his left foot.

Shawn Matthias will likely fill van Riemsdyk's spot on a line with Tyler Bozak and P.A. Parenteau when Toronto (16-17-7) takes on the Blue Jackets (15-24-4) at Air Canada Centre.

"I've played with the two of them before and we had some chemistry, we had some good games — don't want to slow them down," said Matthias, who has 12 points in 39 games this season. "I want to come in, be confident and help them out and help the team win."

The injury to van Riemsdyk could also give Leivo — who skated on a line with Byron Froese and Brad Boyes on Tuesday — an opportunity to see some power-play time.

"I think I did well on the power play (with the Marlies) so I think they're giving me an opportunity for tomorrow," Leivo said. "Hopefully I can contribute down in front of the net."

Notes: Leo Komarov missed his second straight practice, with defenceman Frank Corrado skating in his place alongside Michael Grabner and Nazem Kadri. Babcock expects Komarov to return Wednesday. Goaltender James Reimer (7-5-1) will get the start against the Blue Jackets.