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Jay Tup on Leafs: Dakota Joshua |
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New Leaf, Old Number: Dakota Joshua's Deeper Connection to Toronto
While some players don't care about their public perception, others will do whatever it takes to endear themselves to a fanbase. One of the major issues for the Toronto Maple Leafs recently has been the team's perceived unlikability, with many fans feeling a lack of connection to the group.
The newest Maple Leafs forward, Dakota Joshua, however, seems to be saying and doing all the right things. Acquired from the Vancouver Canucks last week, Joshua returns to the team that had initially drafted him. His first tenure with the Leafs ended when he was dealt by the previous General Manager, Kyle Dubas. At the time, Joshua didn't fit into Dubas's preferred style of play, so he was traded to the St. Louis Blues for the coveted "future considerations."
In his second stint with Toronto, Joshua has wasted no time winning over the fans. It was announced that he plans on wearing number 81, the same number he wore in Vancouver. The last player to wear 81 in Toronto was none other than Phil Kessel, a player both vastly different from and incredibly similar to Joshua.
While their on-ice games are worlds apart, the two players share some significant off-ice similarities. Both Joshua and Kessel have fought and won battles with testicular cancer, a fact that isn't lost on Joshua. In a recent interview, he acknowledged the connection, stating:
“I love the mojo there and hoping to play a long time here like he did.”
The response from Maple Leafs fans to Joshua's excitement has been incredibly positive—a far cry from the reception for some other recent acquisitions. His hard-hitting, nail-gun style of play is also sure to make him a fan favourite on the ice this upcoming season. As the team continues its transformation, players like Joshua, Nicholas Roy, and Michael Pezzetta are poised to bring fans to their feet as a new era is ushered in for Toronto.
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