Dakota Joshua Trade Buzz Grows Louder as Maple Leafs Remain a Potential Suitor
Photo credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
There's been some chatter around Vancouver's Dakota Joshua in terms of trade potential, and might be a casualty of a cap dump for the team, which is great news for the Maple Leafs.
If the Toronto Maple Leafs were looking to replace Ryan Reaves, or add some extra toughness to their team, they've done well so far this offseason.
Adding guys like Michael Pezzetta are sure going to add a ton of physicality and he might end up being a fan favorite quickly.
Toronto trying to add toughness to their identity
We know how Craig Berube likes his players. Tough, gritty, hardworking and sometimes a little bit mean. It's all part of the new-look identity of the team who has exchanged pizazz for passion, and we're only scratching the surface.
Though there are still a few names on the open market available, it's still taking a bit of time to gauge where both parties are at, and although there may be a negotiation behind the scenes; nothing is concrete as of yet.
However, one name who might be able to help them out via the trade market, and for a fairly cheap cost at that is Dakota Joshua.
Dakota Joshua may be on the outs with Vancouver making drastic changes
GM Patrik Allvin has been active this offseason, acquiring Evander Kane from the Oilers and shipping off goaltender Arturs Silvos to Pittsburgh, he doesn't seem like he's done yet.
According to The Athletic's Thomas Drance, a senior writer who covers the Canucks, he mentions the team isn't done working yet and is looking to still add this summer:
It may be mid-summer, but Canucks management isn't «off to the cottage» just yet.
Hear the club is monitoring a couple of the UFA options still on the market. No surprise given their recent history.
VAN needs to move out cap dollars first, + they're actively working to do so.
Hear the club is monitoring a couple of the UFA options still on the market. No surprise given their recent history.
VAN needs to move out cap dollars first, + they're actively working to do so.
Joshua a solid fourth line option
If the Canucks are trying to move some money out, then getting rid of Joshua and his $3.25-million a year contract is one of the best ways to do it.
Signed last year to a four-year extension, he was building off a 18-goal, 32-point campaign; not too shabby for a physical-first player.
His offense took a hit in 2024-25 with only 14 points in 57 games (7 goals, 7 assists) but his physical game was top notch, adding 193 hits in only 12:58 TOI.
For his career, Joshua has 78 points in 248 games (40 goals, 38 assists) with 181 PIM and 760 hits; he was drafted 128th overall by the Maple Leafs in 2014.
With David Kampf seemingly out of the picture, Joshua can step in for him. He offers the same amount of penalty killing prowess, wins face-offs, and has a higher offensive ceiling.
So if the Canucks want to move him out of BC, then Brad Treliving needs to be the one to bring him on, as he not only fits the dynamic, but brings that all important identity change once again.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 16 | 1189 ANSWERS Dakota Joshua Trade Buzz Grows Louder as Maple Leafs Remain a Potential Suitor Do you think the Maple Leafs need to try and bring in Dakota Joshua for some added toughness? | ||
| Yes | 838 | 70.5 % |
| No | 351 | 29.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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