Dakota Joshua's arrival in Toronto marks a full-circle moment, as the Maple Leafs initially drafted him in 2014. After stints with St. Louis and Vancouver, the Leafs acquired him on July 17, 2025, in exchange for a 2028 fourth-round pick. The team hopes the 29-year-old forward will bring a unique blend of physicality and skill to their bottom-six forwards.

Joshua's journey to this point has been marked by both triumph and adversity. Coming off a year where he faced a testicular cancer diagnosis and a leg injury, Joshua is looking for a fresh start in Toronto. In 57 games with the Canucks during the 2024-25 season, he recorded 14 points (seven goals, seven assists) and ranked second on the team in hits with 193. Throughout his NHL career, split between Vancouver and St. Louis, Joshua has accumulated 78 points (40 goals, 38 assists) in 241 regular-season games, along with eight points (four goals, four assists) in 14 playoff games.

So, what do the Maple Leafs need next from Dakota Joshua?

Physical Presence and Grind: Toronto needs Joshua to bring the same physicality he displayed in Vancouver. Ranking second in hits despite playing only 57 games demonstrates his willingness to engage physically and wear down opponents. The Leafs need him to be a force on the forecheck, finishing checks, and creating space for his linemates.

Versatility in the Bottom Six: Joshua is viewed as a versatile piece who can slot into various roles within the bottom six. Whether it's playing on the wing or at center, the Maple Leafs need him to be adaptable and contribute effectively, regardless of his linemates. His coaches have praised his diligence in all zones, indicating a strong two-way game.

Consistent Offensive Contribution: While not primarily an offensive player, the Maple Leafs need Joshua to provide consistent secondary scoring. His 32 points (18 goals, 14 assists) in the 2022-23 season with Vancouver demonstrate his offensive capabilities. Replicating that offensive spark would significantly boost Toronto's depth scoring.

Penalty Killing Prowess: A valuable asset for any bottom-six forward is the ability to kill penalties effectively. If Joshua can become a reliable penalty killer, it would free up other key players and provide a significant advantage to the Maple Leafs.

Embrace the Spotlight: Playing in Toronto comes with intense media scrutiny and high expectations. Joshua, who signed a four-year, $13 million deal in 2024, needs to embrace the spotlight and perform under pressure. He got a preview of this in Vancouver.

Ultimately, the Maple Leafs need Dakota Joshua to be a reliable, physical, and versatile player who can contribute in all three zones. If he can bring these elements to his game consistently, he will be a valuable asset to the team as they pursue their Stanley Cup aspirations.