Dakota Joshua’s recent trade to the Toronto Maple Leafs has evoked both nostalgia and excitement. Originally drafted by Toronto in 2014, he was traded away to the St. Louis Blues, where he developed his skills over five seasons. Joshua's physical style, characterized by hard-hitting and effective penalty killing, aligns well with the new direction of the Leafs under Brad Treliving, moving away from the previous softer approach.

Joshua's breakthrough came during the 2023-24 season, where he scored 18 goals for the Vancouver Canucks. His journey was not without challenges, as he battled testicular cancer last year but returned to the ice with renewed vigor. Embracing the opportunity with Toronto, he looks forward to reuniting with familiar faces like Auston Matthews and William Nylander, aiming to make a significant impact this upcoming season.