Toronto Maple Leafs count on Dakota Joshua’s grit to ignite playoff aspirations
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been busy this offseason, making strategic moves to bolster their roster with more depth, particularly at the bottom of the lineup. One notable acquisition is Dakota Joshua, who joins the team after a stint with the Vancouver Canucks. Expected to serve as a bottom-six forward, Joshua brings a strong defensive presence along with the potential for secondary scoring. However, early observations during training camp suggest that Joshua may need time to acclimate to his new environment in Toronto.
Training Camp Insights
Maple Leafs insider Joshua Kloke pointed out that Joshua has yet to make a significant impact during training camp. “One of the Leafs’ few offseason acquisitions has flown too far under the radar through training camp,” Kloke noted. It appears that Joshua’s contributions in practices and preseason games have been minimal, raising questions about his readiness to perform at the expected level. “Perhaps that’s what the Leafs want: a player who can be defensively sturdy and chew up ice time,” Kloke added. Despite scoring 18 goals in 63 games last season, Joshua has struggled to find that offensive touch early on in Toronto.
With his history of playing under Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube during their time with the St. Louis Blues, there is hope that familiarity might aid his transition. However, Kloke emphasizes that Joshua could be among the players who take a bit longer to adjust this season. “Keep an eye on him,” he advised, suggesting that patience may be necessary as Joshua finds his footing.
Aiming for Depth and Balance
Joshua himself recognizes the importance of contributing to a well-rounded team effort. He believes that adding depth to the lineup is crucial, allowing top-end players to share the load rather than relying solely on them. “I feel like for myself, adding to the depth of the team will help a lot,” Joshua shared on Leafs Morning Take. “You need everybody. You’ve seen it with the last few Stanley Cup champions: it’s a full team effort.” This perspective resonates with the Maple Leafs, who have experienced their share of playoff disappointments.
In pursuit of a fresh start, the Maple Leafs have undergone a notable roster transformation this offseason. With the departure of Mitch Marner and the addition of players like Joshua, Nic Roy, and Matias Maccelli, the organization is focused on crafting a new identity.
Coaching Confidence
Berube has expressed optimism about Joshua’s potential impact alongside Roy. “I love the size of both of them,” he said, highlighting their physical attributes as assets that will allow them to match up effectively against any opposing line. He emphasized their ability to play a hard-checking game, particularly in the offensive zone. “They’re hard to play against; that’s what I like,” Berube added, underscoring the value of having players who can impose their will on the ice.
Looking Ahead
As the Maple Leafs prepare to open their season on October 8 against the Montreal Canadiens, all eyes will be on Joshua and how he adapts to his new role. With the pressure of playoff expectations looming, the success of this season could very well hinge on the contributions from depth players like him. The quest for a Stanley Cup continues, and for Joshua, the opportunity to help Toronto finally break through the playoff barriers is both a challenge and a motivation.
