Newly Acquired Maple Leafs Forward Drawing Bold Comparisons to Zach Hyman
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Dakota Joshua was an underrated acquisition by the Maple Leafs this summer, however some have begun to compare him to a former key player: Zach Hyman.
It could have been seen as a questionable move at the time when the Maple Leafs brought in Dakota Joshua considering he wasn't that big offensive star or Mitch Marner replacement fans had hoped for.
He is a part of this new identity change in Toronto, and while he's certainly capable of bringing the offense, he's more than likely going to bring the pain just a little bit more.
He's big, he's nasty, and he doesn't mind the dirty work. He makes for the perfect Craig Berube player, which makes sense considering it was the Leafs coach who gave him his start in the NHL.
What Sets the Hyman Comparison in Toronto
But some around the league think that Joshua's potential exceeds that of just a third-line checking forward, but he could bring something that the team has desperately missed.
It feels like Joshua might be able to thrive alongside some stars much like Zach Hyman did, at least that what some around the league think.
Analyst Gregory Babinski brought up a good point that could lead credence to the fact that Joshua could give John Tavares exactly what Auston Matthews had in Hyman and has in Matthew Knies:
It would be bold to project 20 goals or 40 points from Joshua this season, but clearly, his career arc shows a dedication to the game. Perhaps Joshua can follow in the footsteps of former Leaf Zach Hyman in a prolonged developmental curve.
The opportunity for more might exist with the Leafs as well. Coach Craig Berube clearly values having a blend of skills on each line, and finding a henchman for John Tavares' line seems paramount.
While his past usage would suggest that Joshua is more than capable of a checking role, he might be the Leafs best option for muscle alongside Tavares and, presumably, William Nylander.
If Joshua is willing to do the legwork and get to the net front, he might open up a lot of ice for Tavares and Nylander.
The opportunity for more might exist with the Leafs as well. Coach Craig Berube clearly values having a blend of skills on each line, and finding a henchman for John Tavares' line seems paramount.
While his past usage would suggest that Joshua is more than capable of a checking role, he might be the Leafs best option for muscle alongside Tavares and, presumably, William Nylander.
If Joshua is willing to do the legwork and get to the net front, he might open up a lot of ice for Tavares and Nylander.
That's pretty huge praise, and we can't really take last year's season at face value for the forward considering he was recovering from testicular cancer.
Why His Style Could Unlock a New Role Next to Tavares
But knowing how weird that second-line winger spot was last season with Max Pacioretty, Bobby McMann, Nick Robertson, and whoever else they could plug in to try and help Tavares and Nylander.
Hyman was not the 40-50 goal scorer he is in Edmonton and was certainly used in a more secondary role with Auston Matthews, but he doesn't need someone like Joshua and Tavares does.
Plus, it's not like Joshua is defensively handicapped. He knows how to play the game right, he has good positioning, knows the Berube system, and if worst comes to worst then he's a very good third-liner with Nic Roy.
Two seasons ago Joshua posted 32 points in 63 games (18 goals, 14 assists) while adding a plus-19 rating and 245 hits.
That's the exact type of production needed on that second line, and knowing Nylander and Tavares can score aplenty, adding that player who can bring them space; it's perfect.
So Toronto might have gotten rid of Joshua previously, and as of now we still have no compensation regarding that deal.
But it's all moot now as he's back in the fold and ready to make an impact as only he can.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 7 | 1609 ANSWERS Newly Acquired Maple Leafs Forward Drawing Bold Comparisons to Zach Hyman Do you think Dakota Joshua could be Toronto's version of Zach Hyman? | ||
| Yes | 1119 | 69.5 % |
| No | 490 | 30.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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