Dakota Joshua Fires Up Leafs Fans With Bold Season Promise: 'Get the Job Done'
Photo credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
Maple Leafs forward Dakota Joshua held nothing back with his statement to fans regarding the upcoming season, showing he's going to do whatever it takes to win, according to his comments in the Toronto Star.
When Toronto acquired Dakota Joshua from the Canucks, it was seen as a small deal at the time, just adding some bottom-line depth and extra toughness.
Turns out, they might be getting something special, and with him focused on a full season where he's healthy and back where he started; he's ready to go.
Dakota Joshua wanting a fresh start, and to give fans something to cheer about
He seems not only motivated to play for himself, but win for the fans; the ones who never got a chance to cheer for him the first time around. If his recent interview is any indication: He's ready to do whatever it takes.
Speaking to the Toronto Star, Joshua explained that he is ready to get things going and give the fans a fully healthy player ready to win:
Just starting from behind, I couldn't really get my game to where I wanted it to be until towards the end of the year. A frustrating year, for sure. But I'm happy to put it behind me and get a fresh start here.
A healthy Joshua is a scary Joshua as not only is he able to deliver a ton of bone-crunching hits, but he's able to give you 15 goals, good defense and isn't afraid to drop the mitts.
Dakota Joshua's career rollercoaster leads him back to Toronto
Though, his career wouldn't have gotten off on the right track without Craig Berube, someone he credits with giving him a chance and now his current coach in Toronto:
Chief, he's very professional and he's a straight shooter. He lets you know where you stand and wants you to go out there and get the job done.
He expects a lot out of his players, which I like. He was a tremendous help in getting my career started and evolving into the player I am today.
He expects a lot out of his players, which I like. He was a tremendous help in getting my career started and evolving into the player I am today.
That career nearly got derailed after a scary diagnosis with testicular cancer, however an early catch allowed Joshua to get surgery and fight his way back onto the ice.
But he admits he was still pretty terrified:
It was obviously very scary when I found out, very unexpected. There's no situation in life that can prepare you for getting that news.
At the beginning, you're obviously thinking the worst. But I was lucky that I caught it early.
They were able to go in and remove the tumour.
At the beginning, you're obviously thinking the worst. But I was lucky that I caught it early.
They were able to go in and remove the tumour.
All things considered, Joshua has gone through a lot in his young career to carve out a role in the NHL. From being traded for literally an unknown asset, to earning his way into the lineup, to becoming a very reliable power forward beloved by fans.
It seems that Dakota Joshua is ready to show fans the player he's become since being drafted long ago.
From the sounds of it, we're in for a real treat.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 24 | 2103 ANSWERS Dakota Joshua Fires Up Leafs Fans With Bold Season Promise: 'Get the Job Done' Do you think Dakota Joshua is going to rebound this season with the Maple Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 1766 | 84 % |
| No | 337 | 16 % |
| List of polls | ||
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