Maple Leafs Explore Top Line Options as Dakota Joshua Emerges as a Gritty Contender
The Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves at a crossroads as they seek to fill the void left by Mitch Marner’s departure this offseason. With Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies already set to anchor the top line, the identity of the right-wing position remains an open question. The competition is heating up, with names like Max Domi and Mattias Maccelli in the mix, but one analyst is advocating for a less conventional choice: Dakota Joshua.
Joshua’s Potential Impact
NHL analyst Thomas Williams, writing for EditorInLeaf, posits that Joshua could bring a physical edge reminiscent of Zach Hyman, a player who formerly thrived alongside Matthews. “Matthew Knies does a lot of similar things that Hyman did, but not everything,” Williams noted. “That is where someone especially like Joshua can come in and take that role, bash some bodies, and score some goals.”
Hyman’s peak season with the Leafs came in 2018-19, when he netted 21 goals and totaled 41 points in 71 games. While Williams acknowledges that Joshua may not replicate Hyman’s production with absolute consistency, he points to Joshua’s recent performance with the Vancouver Canucks as a promising sign. During the 2023-24 season, Joshua managed to score 18 goals and contribute 32 points over 63 games, often playing in elevated roles.
“Isn’t it completely out of the question for Joshua to potentially find some success next to Matthews this season?” Williams asked. The prospect of a Knies-Matthews-Joshua trio could add a unique blend of skill and grit to the Maple Leafs’ lineup.
The Challenge Ahead
While Joshua’s ascendance to a top-line role would be surprising, his skill set aligns well with the needs of the Maple Leafs. With a knack for net-front presence and physical play, he could provide a dynamic that the top line has been missing. Last season, Joshua recorded 7 goals and 7 assists for 14 points in 57 games, showcasing his potential as an impactful player.
The Maple Leafs are gearing up for a competitive training camp, with coach Craig Berube expressing optimism about the depth added to the roster. “Listen, he touched all areas of the game for us — penalty kill, power play, five on five,” Berube remarked about Marner’s contributions. “He’s a guy that’s hard to replace. You’re not replacing him.”
Berube emphasized that the goal isn’t merely to fill Marner’s shoes but to enhance the overall team dynamics with new additions, including Joshua, Roy, and Maccelli. “We’re just trying to improve our team in other ways by adding these players,” he said.
A Reunion with Familiarity
Entering his second year of a four-year, $13 million contract with the Maple Leafs, Joshua is enthusiastic about his return to a familiar environment, having previously played under Berube with the St. Louis Blues. “I spoke to him on the phone the other day,” Joshua shared on Leafs Morning Take. “He’s a great guy and a great coach. He was the one who kind of gave me my first shot in the league, and I’ll forever be thankful to him for that.”
As Joshua prepares for training camp, the excitement of reuniting with Berube adds an extra layer of motivation. “It was nice to see how he ran the team and obviously makes it that much more exciting to join and play for him again. Familiarity goes a long way,” he concluded.
With training camp on the horizon, the Maple Leafs are not only looking to replace a key player but also to redefine the structure and grit of their top line. As Dakota Joshua vies for a spot alongside Matthews and Knies, the coming weeks promise to be pivotal in shaping the team’s future.
