Dakota Joshua endured a profoundly challenging season last year with the Vancouver Canucks, navigating a cancer diagnosis, a mid-season injury, and the team`s internal turmoil. Capping off an arduous year, Joshua was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in July.
The 29-year-old Michigan native is now keenly anticipating a new beginning.
Reflecting on the past, Joshua stated, “The mental toll of constant ups and downs was significant last year. I`m ready to move past it and concentrate on having an exceptional season.”
Last summer, following a career-best season with 18 goals, 14 assists, and 32 points, plus an additional eight points in 13 playoff games, Joshua received a testicular cancer diagnosis. This unforeseen health issue compelled him to miss training camp, delaying his return to the Canucks lineup until mid-November.
He recounted, “I was preparing for training camp after a strong season, eager to build on that momentum. Then, my world shifted completely overnight.”
In January, just as he felt himself regaining his rhythm, Joshua sustained a leg injury, sidelining him for 11 games. Consequently, he appeared in only 57 games for the Canucks, tallying a modest seven goals and seven assists.
He elaborated on his recovery: “My return wasn`t as smooth as anticipated. You hope to immediately regain form, but that wasn`t the reality. It took longer than I expected to reach my desired performance level. Just as I felt I was gaining momentum, another minor injury sidelined me for a month, forcing me to restart the recovery process.”
Despite these challenges, Joshua noted he concluded the season strongly after his second injury, which set him up for “a great summer.” Subsequently, he was traded across Canada to rejoin the Maple Leafs, the team that originally drafted him in the fifth round in 2014.
Although Joshua never played a game for Toronto previously, he believes his experience with the Canucks` constant media spotlight, especially during the Elias Pettersson-J.T. Miller drama, has prepared him for the increased scrutiny in Toronto.
“We were perpetually in the media`s focus last year, with new narratives emerging weekly, which certainly didn`t ease the pressure in the locker room,” he commented. “I anticipate a similar environment in Toronto.”
With the Maple Leafs, Joshua is expected to assume a bottom-six checking forward role, contributing occasional offense. He characterizes himself as a “north-south” player, emphasizing direct play.
“You need to be sharp every single game,” he affirmed. “I had good linemates before, and I`ll have that opportunity again in Toronto. I understand my strengths and potential, and it`s simply about regaining that level and starting the season powerfully.”
Ultimately, Joshua has clear objectives: “To build my career to its fullest potential and help the Leafs secure victories.”