The Toronto Maple Leafs are navigating a season of high expectations and considerable scrutiny, with several key players and recent acquisitions under the microscope. Here’s a look at the latest news and rumors surrounding Dakota Joshua, Matias Maccelli, Auston Matthews, and Matthew Knies.

Dakota Joshua: From Acquisition to Trade Speculation

Dakota Joshua, acquired by the Maple Leafs from the Vancouver Canucks in July 2025 for a fourth-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft, was expected to bring a mix of grit and secondary scoring to the team's bottom-six. However, his performance has fallen short of expectations, leading to speculation about his future in Toronto. In 22 games, Joshua has recorded just two goals and three assists. His underlying numbers also raise concerns, with a CF (Corsi For percentage) of 45% and a scoring chances rate of 48% in 5-on-5 situations.

Coach Craig Berube recently made Joshua a healthy scratch, signaling a need for improvement. Some analysts suggest that Joshua's issues stem from a lack of pace and impact, despite his 6'3", 210-pound frame seemingly fitting Berube's preferred style. With a $3.25 million cap hit, the Maple Leafs may seek more reliable scoring and a greater on-ice impact from a player in that role. As a result, Joshua's name has surfaced in trade discussions, with the team potentially looking to move him if his performance doesn't improve.

Matias Maccelli: A Misfit in Berube's System?

Matias Maccelli, acquired from the Utah Mammoth, was intended to inject skill into Toronto's middle-six. However, like Joshua, Maccelli has struggled to find his place in Berube's system, which emphasizes pace, pressure, and hard checking. While Maccelli possesses offensive talent, his playing style doesn't naturally align with Berube's demands. He has struggled with winning battles, being harder on pucks, and limiting turnovers.

There's a conditional element to the Maccelli trade: if he scores at least 51 points and the Maple Leafs make the playoffs, the Mammoth will receive a second-round pick in 2029 instead of a third-round pick in 2027. While Maccelli hasn't performed up to expectations, the team may still look to trade him.

Auston Matthews: Returns from Injury

Auston Matthews has returned to the lineup after missing five games due to a lower-body injury sustained on November 11 against the Boston Bruins. He made his return on Wednesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Before the injury, Matthews had 14 points (nine goals, five assists) in 17 games. The Maple Leafs struggled without their captain, going 1-3-1 in his absence. Matthews' return is expected to provide a significant boost to the team's morale and offensive capabilities. However, some observers have noted that Matthews' shot velocity may be slightly diminished since returning from the injury.

Matthew Knies: Back in the Lineup

Matthew Knies also returned to the lineup after missing three games with a lower-body injury. Knies last played on Nov. 15 in a 3-2 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks. Knies expressed his excitement about rejoining the team and contributing to wins. He had a secondary assist on the overtime winner in his return game.

The return of both Matthews and Knies provides a much-needed boost to the Maple Leafs' offense as they navigate a challenging season.