For Dakota Joshua, putting on a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey feels like destiny finally arriving. The 28-year-old center was originally drafted by Toronto back in 2014, watched his career unfold elsewhere, and now finds himself back where it all began. But this time, he’s not the raw prospect who left over a decade ago. He’s a proven NHL veteran with a clear message for Maple Leafs fans: he’s ready to do whatever it takes.
How Will Dakota Joshua’s Return Transform the Maple Leafs’ Forward Corps?
The center was acquired from the Vancouver Canucks earlier this month via trade in exchange for a 4th round pick. This is a full circle moment for Joshua as he started his NHL journey by being first drafted back in 2014 by the Maple Leafs.
On the recent episode of the ‘Leafs Morning Take‘, hosts Nick Alberga and Jay Rosehill, who Joshua joined, discussed this move. When asked how he feels about now being a Maple Leafs, he mentions, “Yeah, it was uh it is a full circle moment for me for sure.”
Joshua continues, “Getting to come back and be a part of the Leafs. There was a little bit of rumbling around the draft that I might be on the move, and then it sort of settled down there for a little bit as nothing went through.”
However, he mentions how he eventually received the call that he was being traded to the Maple Leafs. The timing couldn’t have been better for Toronto, especially after seeing the exit of forward Mitch Marner during what proved to be one of the most eventful offseasons in recent memory.
What Type of Player Are the Maple Leafs Getting in Dakota Joshua?
When asked what he brings to the Maple Leafs and what kind of player he thinks he is, Joshua mentions, “Yeah, I like to think that I can do a little bit of everything.”
He continues with, “Big part of my game is getting in on the forecheck and being disruptive, but also providing a physical presence, and then, um, yeah, underrated.” Joshua mentions that he believes that he can score, too, when needed.
Joshua further continued with, “So, I feel like I add a little of everything. uh, somebody that can play up and down the lineup, and in all situations. So yeah, whatever Leafs Nation needs, I feel like I can provide.” He believes it is important to humanize every situation.
Joshua’s versatility addresses multiple needs for Toronto. Many critics have already seen him as a possible second-line forward, though his ability to slot anywhere in the lineup gives head coach Craig Berube valuable flexibility in constructing his forward groups.
Additionally, the presence of Head Coach Craig Berube will play a significant part in Joshua’s integration. Joshua has already played under him when he was part of the St. Louis Blues back in 2021-22. The coach also prefers a physical and fast-paced playing style that should suit Joshua perfectly.
With his 6’3″, 206-pound frame, Joshua will fit seamlessly into Berube’s system. The fans will also notice that Joshua will be wearing the #81 jersey, which Joshua’s old friend Phil Kessel used to wear during his time in Toronto.
While Joshua had to miss multiple games last season, this season he seems ready to make his mark. All in all, it will be a great homecoming for Joshua, who will be hoping he can give it his all for the organization that first believed in his potential over a decade ago.
