Dakota Joshua's return could be the grit the Toronto Maple Leafs have always missed in the NHL
When the Toronto Maple Leafs traded a 2028 fourth-round pick to the Vancouver Canucks for Dakota Joshua, it didn't dominate headlines. But fans who've seen the Leafs struggle in postseason scrums know why this matters.
At 6-foot-3 and over 200 pounds, Joshua adds grit, presence, and toughness to a forward group that's long been called finesse-heavy.
His 18 goals and 32 points in 63 games with the Vancouver Canucks during the 2023–24 NHL season speak volumes. He's more than a grinder; he can finish plays, screen goalies, and wear opponents down. His standout performance against the Nashville Predators in the playoffs proved just how valuable his skill set can be in tight games.
Maple Leafs Acquire F Dakota Joshua From Canucks! | Instant Analysis
Craig Berube
connection could shape his role
This isn't the first time Dakota Joshua has worked with Craig Berube. The two shared time with the St. Louis Blues, and the familiarity shows. Berube, known for demanding structure and edge, values players like Joshua who do the dirty work, don't take lazy penalties, and stay engaged every shift.
Joshua's return isn't just a roster move; it's likely a targeted pickup by Berube himself. That makes his role in Toronto more intriguing.
Expect him to anchor a third- or fourth-line unit designed to grind, frustrate, and shift momentum when the games get heavy. Toronto isn't just looking for points; they're looking for identity. Joshua might deliver both.
Corrado on Joshua: 'This guys fits the mold of what Treliving's talking about'
A draft pick returns stronger and hungrier
Back in 2014, the Maple Leafs selected Dakota Joshua with the 128th overall pick. However, there was no clear path for him at the time. His rights were quietly moved to the St. Louis Blues, and like many mid-round picks, he fell off the radar.
But Joshua didn't fade; he evolved.
After solid NCAA years with Ohio State and grinding his way through AHL and NHL chances, he's become a dependable depth forward. Add to that his comeback from a cancer scare last season, and you get a player shaped by adversity; resilient, focused, and ready to contribute in every zone.
Joshua brings leadership and something bigger than stats
Beyond his numbers and size, Dakota Joshua adds something deeper to the Toronto Maple Leafs' locker room.
As one of the few Black players in the NHL, he has spoken openly about the challenges he has faced in the sport. His voice carries weight. He leads not with speeches, but with his work ethic and calm determination.
Dakota Joshua isn't flashy. But he might be the glue guy Toronto's needed for years. In the long grind of an NHL season, and especially in the chaos of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, his brand of hockey matters. And with Berube at the helm, it's no accident that Joshua is back wearing blue and white. This time, he's ready to stick.
Also Read:
Five big NHL stars' names headline potential shakeups in the upcoming trade as teams look ahead to major roster decisions
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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