Maple Leafs acquires Dakota Joshua draft pick from Canucks – Hockey Writer – NHL News
Maple Leafs made a huge contribution in the bottom six on July 17 thanks to trading Mitch Marner. They won left-wing Dakota Joshua from Vancouver Canucks in exchange for a 2028 fourth-round draft pick. The 29-year-old scored 14 points in 57 games last season and scored $3.25 million in blocks before 2027-28. Interestingly, he was selected by Maple Leaf 128Th Overall, in the 2014 NHL Draft, but was later caused by the St. Louis Blues to “future consideration”.
Trade: We received forward Dakota Joshua from Vancouver Garner pic.twitter.com/hutdzskmuh
– Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 17, 2025
Maple Leaf has added three highly respected next six forwards since the 2025 trade deadline: Scott Laughton, Nicolas Roy and now Joshua. Following early seasons in Auston Matthews’ era, it’s hard to pursue and retain these types of players. But now, with the rise in salary caps and the deal in Mana (and half of John Tavares), they can afford the luxury of high-paying depths – the three earned $9.25 million on the hat’s salary.
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He focused on Joshua, who had a great campaign for 2023-24, rating 32 and 9 in 63 games while playing three-line minutes. Unfortunately, his 21.43% shooting clip is unsustainable, with a 2024-25 target dropping 11.
Toronto will not rely on Joshua for a goal score, a heavy win that should be welcomed by head coach Craig Berube (who played briefly in the early 2020s). Additionally, according to natural statistics, he averaged 1:12 ice time per game over the past two seasons. Perhaps most importantly, he is an inspiring story to recover from testicular cancer in 2024.
Canucks mainly gets relieved by blocking. Moreover, Joshua’s departure took over his position as the young forward. Three summers of fourth-round picks from now on aren’t an ideal reward, but they gain value in cap space and roster flexibility.
