New Maple Leafs Forward Makes Bold Tribute to Phil Kessel With Jersey Number
Photo credit: Tom Szczerbowski-Imagn Images
New Maple Leafs forward Dakota Joshua has paid a heartfelt tribute to former Maple Leaf star Phil Kessel by donning his old jersey number, with a deeper meaning too.
It's been awhile since Phil Kessel graced the ice for the Toronto Maple Leafs, but when he was here, it felt like the stuff of legends.
He hovered between fan favourite and fan scapegoat due to his sense of humor, relaxed attitude and uncharacteristic diet but often got criticized for his lack of defense and effort at times.
Though he's also part of a trade that some might think Toronto regrets, there's no doubt that he still left an impact in the city. So much so, that it seems like a fellow Maple Leaf is following in his footsteps in a heartfelt tribute.
Dakota Joshua honors Phil Kessel upon arrival
It turns out that newcomer Dakota Joshua has decided to don the #81 this season with the Maple Leafs, and while he might not be the same offensive threat as Kessel; the two share quite the story.
Joshua and Kessel have both suffered from and recovered from testicular cancer to be able to carve out NHL careers, with Joshua explaining that factored in heavily to his decision:
I love the mojo there and hoping to play a long time here like he did.
It's not the first time the two have crossed paths however, as Kessel worked out briefly with the Abbotsford Canucks during the same time Joshua was part of the AHL system, and even back then he seemed to admire Kessel:
It's great news. Just another veteran presence, someone who's won before, and it's nice to have those guys in the room. That'd be a big help.
Toronto gets a diamond in Dakota Joshua
If Joshua can bring at least the same excitement and passion to the team as Kessel did, there is no doubt he is going to last long in blue and white.
The move was a bit surprising all things considered, though fans quickly realized the potential steal the Maple Leafs got in Joshua.
He's got a scoring touch, he's got the passion, he's a very aggressive and physical player, and on a very reasonable deal for the next few years, oh and he has a lot of familiarity with Craig Berube; another bonus.
Joshua, 29, had only 14 points in 57 games last season (7 goals, 7 assists) but that was due to his recovery from cancer, and is only one season removed from an 18-goal campaign.
Though he might not hit the offensive heights that Phil Kessel once did, Dakota Joshua is going to do his best to live up the number he's going to don.
At least, he's going to try his hardest to.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 22 | 2015 ANSWERS New Maple Leafs Forward Makes Bold Tribute to Phil Kessel With Jersey Number Do you think Dakota Joshua is going to be a fan favourite like Phil Kessel? | ||
| Yes | 1418 | 70.4 % |
| No | 597 | 29.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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