Dakota Joshua Finally Breaks Silence After Being Traded By The Vancouver Canucks
Photo credit: Sportsnet
Former Vancouver Canuck Dakota Joshua recently discussed his trade to the Toronto Maple Leafs after spending the last three seasons in British Columbia.
It's been nearly one week since the Vancouver Canucks made the decision to trade Dakota Joshua to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for a fourth round pick in the 2028 NHL Entry Draft, a move that hasn't been sitting well with some of the team's fans.
On Tuesday, it was revealed that Dakota Joshua will be wearing number 81 in Toronto, previously worn by Maple Leafs fan favourite, Phil Kessel and following that announcement, the former Canuck also opened up regarding last week's trade.
Former Vancouver Canuck Dakota Joshua discusses trade to Toronto
In an interview this week with the Toronto Star, former Vancouver Canucks forward Dakota Joshua shared that he's looking forward to playing for the Maple Leafs - the team that drafted him 11 years ago - and is happy for a fresh start.
"Just starting from behind I couldn't really get my game to where I wanted it to be until towards the end of the year. A frustrating year, for sure. But I'm happy to put it behind me and get a fresh start here." Joshua said.
He added, "I'm just looking to hit the ground running when camp starts,"
He added, "I'm just looking to hit the ground running when camp starts,"
With the Maple Leafs moving on from Ryan Reaves earlier this month, Joshua will come into Toronto and fill that physical void left by the enforcer, something that the club certainly lacked at times throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs, where they fell in seven games in round two to the two-time defending champions, the Florida Panthers.
One interesting aspect about Joshua's trade to the Maple Leafs is that it'll reunite him with his first-ever coach in the National Hockey League - Craig Berube, something the 29-year-old is very excited about.
"[Berube], he's very professional and he's a straight shooter. He lets you know where you stand and wants you to go out there and get the job done. He expects a lot out of his players, which I like. He was a tremendous help in getting my career started and evolving into the player I am today." Joshua said.
The Dearborn, Michigan native is set to make his Toronto Maple Leafs debut on Wednesday, October 8th against the Montreal Canadiens and will return to Rogers Arena to face the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday, January 31st on Hockey Night in Canada.
Previously on CanucksDaily
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 23 | 1664 ANSWERS Dakota Joshua Finally Breaks Silence After Being Traded By The Vancouver Canucks Do you think the Toronto Maple Leafs are the right team for Dakota Joshua? | ||
| Yes | 1194 | 71.8 % |
| No | 470 | 28.2 % |
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