Dakota Joshua Joins Maple Leafs in Underrated Trade with Canucks

Thomas Drance of The Athletic first reported that forward Dakota Joshua has been traded to Toronto, with a 2028 fourth round pick going the other way to Vancouver.

Joshua, 29, had seven goals and 14 points in 57 games last season for the Canucks. Joshua has spent five NHL seasons with the St. Louis Blues and the Vancouver Canucks, an acquisition that could be an underrated add for Toronto.

Joshua had been linked to Toronto as a potential trade option, first reported by Thomas Drance as a player to watch on the trade market.

Originally, Joshua was a draft pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs, selected 128th overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Joshua never played for Toronto, traded to St. Louis after his college career in 2019.

Dakota Joshua is a player who has a good chance to become a bounceback candidate if all goes right.

Joshua was diagnosed with testicular cancer during the offseason, having a tumor removed that kept him out until mid-November, with Joshua somewhat struggling compared to the season prior.

A defensive-minded forward, Joshua excels at using his body to deliver hits and play a physically imposing game, while having shown he can provide some offense if needed.

Likely to be on the bottom-six, Joshua is a player who, if healthy, would hopefully be able to be a potential 15-20 goalscorer and hitting approximately 30-35 points.

More than anything, Joshua provides energy and physical intensity to the Leafs lineup, although with now 14 forwards on the roster (not including RFA Nick Robertson), likely the Toronto Maple Leafs are not building their roster.

With the chance to rebound from an issue much beyond his control, Dakota Joshua could become a surprise sneaky smart add by the Toronto Maple Leafs for their bottom-six this upcoming season.