Maple Leafs and Dakota Joshua strike a deal - 11 years following initial draft selection
The Toronto Maple Leafs are shaking up their lineup, with a new trio taking shape on the third line. Centre Nicolas Roy, acquired in the Mitch Marner sign-and-trade with the Vegas Golden Knights, is joined by Dakota Joshua and rookie Easton Cowan.
Joshua, a five-round draft pick in 2014, made it to the NHL in 2020-21, six years after being selected by the Maple Leafs. He has been a valued member of the Vancouver Canucks for the past three seasons, but is now ready for life in Toronto.
Coach Craig Berube believes the size and strength of Joshua and Roy's line can hold their own against any line in the league. Roy, who stands at six-foot-four and 201 pounds, is versatile on offense and defense, while Joshua has scored a career-high of 18 goals two seasons ago.
Craig Berube also believes Easton Cowan is a good playmaker who can make plays to the other members of the third line. However, Nick Robertson or Max Domi could potentially replace Cowan, should he not meet expectations.
Dakota Joshua and Nicolas Roy have been playing together since arriving in Toronto, and have been participating in summer skates before Maple Leafs training camp at the Ford Performance Centre.
Roy has scored between 13 to 15 goals in each of the past four seasons, while Joshua made the trade from the Maple Leafs to the St. Louis Blues for future considerations. The trade of Joshua's rights to the St. Louis Blues is not listed in the Maple Leafs' media guide.
The Toronto Maple Leafs currently hold the rights to Dakota Joshua as of 2025/26, after acquiring him following his time with the Vancouver Canucks. There is no information indicating any team obtained the 2028 draft rights to him after he was previously traded to the Canucks. Joshua remains associated with the Maple Leafs organization.
Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs are looking back to their past with William Nylander, who was drafted by the team in the eighth overall position in 2014. Nylander, who has been a key player for the Maple Leafs, was not mentioned in the context of the third line.
As the Maple Leafs gear up for the new season, the third line of Joshua, Roy, and Cowan will be a key factor in the team's success. With their size, strength, and playmaking abilities, they are poised to make a significant impact on the ice.
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