Dakota Joshua's Playoff Stats Reveal Why the Leafs Had to Get Him

In a savvy trade on Thursday, the Maple Leafs brought in former Canucks forward Dakota Joshua for a 4th-round pick in 2028. It was a move to help solidify the bottom-six and add more physicality to an already aggressive lineup.

He's also got some scoring chops, and if he can replicate some of his 2023-24 production, the team is in very good hands, plus him making a return from testicular cancer makes for a very inspiring story.

But it seems that Joshua's physicality was the main focal point of the acquisition, considering he has 570 hits over his last three season, but it's his aggressive nature in the playoffs that should really excite fans.

While he hasn't played much, Joshua has made his presence felt on the ice with nearly 6 hits on average per game. He skates around with aplomb and isn't afraid to agitate his opponents; a huge plus against a team like Florida.

Speaking of Florida, if Joshua can do what he's been able to do against them, Toronto may have a good shot.

It also helps that Joshua has some silky mitts too when it comes to scoring, and could be a surprise offensive presence this season.

He also has more playoff goals in his 2023-24 season than Mitch Marner had in both 2023-24 and 2024-25 combined; he's got a clutch factor that is aided by his relentless ability to crash the net and always be active.

It's unknown where he would play in a Craig Berube playoff lineup, and the regular season is going to be the biggest test, but with him and Nicolas Roy together; there could be some magic that might translate well into the playoffs.

Joshua, 29, had 14 points in 57 games after returning from recovering from cancer, but has 55 points (29 goals, 26 assists) over his last two seasons, including an 18-goal outburst in 2023.

There's a lot of changes in Toronto, with Joshua being the latest in the DNA change of the Maple Leafs, and if things play out well.

That change is going to come in the playoffs too.