NHL Trade: Maple Leafs' acquisition of Dakota Joshua hints at bigger plans for the upcoming season
The Toronto Maple Leafs have brought forward Dakota Joshua back into their fold after acquiring him from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2028
NHL
Draft.
The 29-year-old, who was initially drafted by Toronto in 2014, is returning to the franchise after a winding journey through the league, highlighted by resilience, growth, and a strong two-way presence on the ice.
Dakota Joshua's comeback after cancer battle tells a lot
Dakota Joshua's return to Toronto comes after one of the most emotional years of his professional career. Despite missing the early part of the 2024–25 NHL season due to surgery and recovery from testicular cancer, Joshua managed to make a solid impact upon his return.
He posted seven goals and 14 points over 57 games and ranked second on the Canucks in hits with 193, proving his physicality never wavered even after a life-altering diagnosis.
'Dakota went through a lot last season before the year even started and we were very impressed in how he handled such a difficult off-ice situation,' said Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin. 'Once healthy, he tried hard to help the team in many ways, and we want to wish him the best moving forward in Toronto.'
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Joshua had signed a four-year, $13 million contract with the Canucks in June 2024, carrying a $3.25 million AAV through the 2027–28 season. His 2023–24 season had already seen career-high performances in goals (18), assists (14), and points (32) across 63 games, setting the tone for what Toronto hopes to be a productive chapter in his career.
Leafs' offseason overhaul continues with familiar face
The Dakota Joshua trade marks the latest in a series of bold moves by the Maple Leafs this offseason.
The team recently acquired Matias Maccelli from the Utah Mammoth, Nicolas Roy from Vegas in a blockbuster deal involving Mitch Marner, and defenseman Henry Thrun from San Jose.
While Joshua never played a game for Toronto after being drafted in the fifth round in 2014, his return signifies a full-circle moment. He went on to debut in the NHL with the St. Louis Blues in the 2020–21 season and has since amassed 78 points in 241 career games, alongside 8 points in 14 Stanley Cup Playoff appearances.
Now back where it all started, Joshua arrives in Toronto with unfinished business—and a chance to redefine his story in blue and white.
Also Read:
NHL Trade Rumor: Could the Golden Knights really land Connor McDavid after Mitch Marner's shocking trade?
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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