The Toronto Maple Leafs surprised fans by completing a trade, landing forward Dakota Joshua from the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday afternoon, NHL.com reported.
The Maple Leafs sent a fourth-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft the Canucks. The deal is a steal for Toronto, which is looking to boost its forward depth this upcoming season. Joshua is one year removed from a 30-point season with the Canucks in which he scored a career-high 18 goals.
Last season, Joshua had a tough time finding the back of the net. His production fell to seven goals and 14 points in 57 games. He dealt with injuries throughout the season, likely impacting his production, as well.
Joshua is a middle-six forward and could slide into Toronto’s third line. He could challenge Max Domi for the third-line left-wing spot, or potentially slide in at center if need be. Regardless of where he ultimately plays, Joshua provides the Leafs with versatility.
The 29-year-old is entering the third year of a four-year, $13 million contract signed last offseason. The Canucks signed him to the deal, hoping he could replicate his numbers from 2023-24. His $3.25 million cap hit is somewhat onerous for a third-line forward.
But if Joshua can rebound this upcoming season, his cap hit would be worth it.
Why Dakota Joshua Makes Sense for Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been linked to Dakota Joshua for some time. Last offseason, some reports suggested Joshua could sign in Toronto. Instead, he opted to remain in Vancouver. His sour season most likely prompted the team to move on from him.
That situation could be the Maple Leafs’ gain. Joshua didn’t seem to get going last season. But then again, just about everyone struggled in Vancouver last season. The Canucks end up selling low on Joshua. So, the trade could become a steal for the Leafs.
Joshua makes sense on the Maple Leafs’ third line with newly acquired Nicolas Roy and potentially Max Domi switching over to the right side. Daily Faceoff projects Domi on the third-line left wing spot and RFA Nick Robertson on the right side. Joshua is too good to be a fourth-liner. So, Domi could slide into the right wing spot, and Joshua on the left.
Also, Joshua’s physical style is something Coach Craig Berube will want to have next season. He’s a gritty forechecker. Perhaps he gets a look on the top line with Matthew Knies and Auston Matthews to fill a role much the same way Michael Bunting did a few seasons ago.
Perhaps putting Joshua on the top line might be a stretch, but the Maple Leafs could be willing to try anything at this point.
Joshua Is a Low-Risk, High-Reward Proposition for Toronto
Dakota Joshua’s cap hit is manageable for the Maple Leafs at this point. Even if he doesn’t work out, the Leafs won’t be saddled with an enormous cap hit. There’s always a chance they could move Joshua later on if things don’t go as expected.
Joshua represents a low-risk option for the Leafs as they look to maximize their remaining cap space.
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