Maple leafs need dakota joshua combination for physicality and hitting – goals – hockey writers – toronto maple leaves

It’s no surprise that the Toronto Maple Leafs will be looking for power players who can contribute offensively to fill out their roster for the 2024-25 season. Another player who will fit the bill perfectly is Dakota Joshua. His journey to the NHL hasn’t been easy, but the determination and perseverance of the 28-year-old from Michigan has stood him in good stead.

Related: Canucks’ Dakota Joshua Finding Success in Rick Tocchet’s Program

There are several attractive free agents the Maple Leafs should consider signing. However, I watched Dakota Joshua grow up this season, and followed him closely during his time with the Vancouver Canucks. This season, he appeared as a sophomore, scoring 18 goals and 14 assists (for 32 points). Perhaps as notable as his 245 hits in 63 games. He has the potential to bring much needed physical edge and scoring ability to the bottom six of the Maple Leafs roster.

Joshua’s connection to the maple leaves and the blues

Joshua was recruited by the maple leaves for five blocks (128th abroad) during the NHL draft. His hockey journey includes stints in the United States Hockey League (USHL) and the NCAA (four years at Ohio State University), where he improved his scoring skills and physical play. In 2019, maple leaves were sold in St. Louis Blues exchange for consideration in the future. During his time with the Blues in the NHL and American Hockey League (AHL), he played 42 games.

When his contract expired, Joshua did not extend a qualifying offer, and the Canucks snapped him up as a free agent in the 2022 offseason, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his career. In 2022-23 with the Canucks, he showed a glimpse of what he could do when he scored 11 goals and 12 assists in 79 games while bringing an ice presence to the ice.

Now, after two seasons of limited minutes and a few games as a healthy scratch, he’s shown the ability to put up double-digit goals and be a force on the ice. Can Joshua up his game in Toronto?

What makes Joshua the chosen one for the maple leaves?

Joshua’s combination of size, physicality, and scoring touch make him the perfect fit to bolster the Maple Leafs roster. His 6-foot-3, 206-pound frame allows him to play a punishing style – a style the Maple Leafs need and an attribute that second-year general manager (GM) Brad Treliving does. It’s also something Toronto could use a lot during the playoffs. In addition, Joshua’s ability to contribute offensively adds depth to the front six. Scores a ton by dribbling the puck out of the scrum in front of the opposing goalie.

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Joshua embodies the qualities that new coach Craig Berube values ​​in a deep player. Berube’s coaching style emphasizes comfort, determination, and the ability to make impact plays in limited minutes. Joshua fits this mold perfectly. His physicality and relentless foresight can disrupt opponents’ plays and create turnover opportunities for his teammates. He would have seemed to fit Berube’s straightforward, in-your-face style.

In addition, Joshua’s ability to bounce back from problems and maintain a consistent presence on the ice shows the desire, strength, and flexibility that Berube would appreciate in a depth player. That makes him a valuable asset to the Maple Leafs under the new coaching program.

Joshua’s impact on the ice and in the locker room

In Vancouver, Joshua’s performance wasn’t just about his contributions on the ice. Specifically, he found adaptations to return to healthy habits and maintain a physical playing style. Like Maple Leafs forward Nick Robertson, Joshua is hungry to play. He’s also a subversive character who tends to focus on angering the opposition, allowing him to give away penalties after scoring hits.

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Aside from his skills on the ice, Joshua is among the few NHL players of color. His journey and presence in the league inspires and inspires diversity in hockey. This aspect of his character can have a positive impact on the team’s culture in Toronto, where his knowledge and perspective can resonate with fans and teammates alike.

The two coach’s influences and Joshua’s future abilities

Joshua is already experienced and has improved under the intense tutelage of Jack Adams Award Winning coach Rick Tocchet for the Canucks. I wouldn’t be surprised if he re-signs in Vancouver. Tocchet’s method focuses on Joshua’s strength and endurance, which has been key to unlocking the player’s potential. That said, if that doesn’t happen, given their previous connections, the possibility of Joshua joining Berube in Toronto is surprising.

Because Joshua played 42 games under Berube and the Blues over two seasons, the two know each other. Unless something happened that damaged their relationship during that time, they may have learned exactly what their relationship could look like. As a 28-year-old free agent who could potentially get a raise on his $825,000 salary, could Joshua return to the club that trained him in 2014?

His combination of scoring ability and physicality make him a perfect addition to the Maple Leafs’ bottom-six forward lineup, fitting the type of depth player Berube would appreciate. Joshua’s skill makes him an attractive target. His presence could improve the team’s physical play, contribute to its attacking depth, and add a unique and valuable perspective to the locker room.

The Maple Leafs will benefit greatly from adding a player of Joshua’s caliber to their roster.