🏒Dakota Joshua Traded to Toronto Maple Leafs by Vancouver Canucks in Major Offseason Deal
**Toronto, July 22, 2025 —** In a move that has sent shockwaves across the NHL, the **Vancouver Canucks have officially traded forward Dakota Joshua to the Toronto Maple Leafs**, marking one of the most unexpected and potentially strategic transactions of the 2025 offseason. The deal, confirmed late Monday night, involves **Joshua heading to Toronto in exchange for a 2026 second-round draft pick and a conditional third-rounder**, pending performance.
Dakota Joshua, known for his **physical presence, two-way play, and relentless energy on the ice**, now brings his talents to a Maple Leafs team determined to rebuild its depth and toughness after another early playoff exit last season.
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### 🔁 **Details of the Trade**
According to multiple sources, the trade was finalized after weeks of behind-the-scenes negotiations between Vancouver GM Patrik Allvin and Toronto GM Brad Treliving. The final terms are as follows:
* **To Toronto Maple Leafs**:
▸ Dakota Joshua (Forward)
* **To Vancouver Canucks**:
▸ 2026 Second-Round Draft Pick
▸ Conditional 2026 Third-Round Pick (becomes a second if Joshua plays 70+ games and Leafs reach second playoff round)
The trade was met with surprise by fans in Vancouver, as Joshua had become a **fan favorite** thanks to his gritty style, penalty-killing abilities, and key goals during the 2023–24 and 2024–25 campaigns.
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### 🗣️ **Reactions from the Teams**
#### **Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving** expressed excitement over the acquisition:
> “Dakota is the kind of player every team needs in the playoffs. He brings size, speed, and attitude. We believe he can play a key role in our bottom six and make us a harder team to play against.”
#### **Vancouver Canucks GM Patrik Allvin** explained the rationale behind the move:
> “This was a tough decision. Dakota has been tremendous for us, but with young prospects pushing through and our focus on long-term flexibility, we felt this was the right time to make the move.”
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### 🧊 **Joshua’s Career So Far**
Dakota Joshua, 29, was originally drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the **2014 NHL Entry Draft** (5th round), but never played for the club at the NHL level. After stints with St. Louis and Vancouver, Joshua has now come full circle.
Over the last two seasons with Vancouver, he posted **23 goals and 31 assists**, and ranked among team leaders in hits and penalty minutes. He was praised for his **locker-room leadership** and often stepped up in critical game moments.
Now, Joshua returns to the organization that drafted him more than a decade ago—only this time, with a wealth of experience and expectations to match.
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### 🧑💼 **Player Reaction**
Joshua shared a short but heartfelt message on social media just hours after the trade:
> “Vancouver — thank you for believing in me and giving me a home. I’ll always be grateful. Excited for what’s ahead in Toronto! Let’s get to work. 🍁”
Reports indicate Joshua is expected to **join the Maple Leafs’ training camp next week**, and may make his debut in the upcoming preseason home game against the Ottawa Senators.
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### 🧠 **Strategic Fit for Toronto**
Analysts believe the Leafs have long needed a **physical, responsible forward** who can play both on the third and fourth lines while providing energy and a scoring threat. With veterans like Ryan Reaves aging and others departing via free agency, Joshua could fill a significant gap.
Hockey insider Kevin Weekes stated:
> “This isn’t a flashy deal, but it’s smart. Dakota Joshua adds bite and grit. That’s something Toronto’s lacked when it mattered most.”
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### 🏒 **What’s Next for the Canucks and Leafs?**
For Vancouver, this opens up cap space and roster flexibility, allowing them to promote prospects or pursue other free agents.
For Toronto, the message is clear: **management is serious about reshaping the roster** to make a deeper run in the 2026 playoffs. And Joshua may be just the first in a series of impactful moves.
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### 📅 **Upcoming Outlook**
* Dakota Joshua is expected to be **introduced to the Toronto media** later this week.
* He will wear **jersey number 81**, previously worn by Phil Kessel.
* Fans can expect to see him in action when the Leafs kick off their **preseason campaign next month**.
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### 📣 **Conclusion**
The trade of Dakota Joshua from the Vancouver Canucks to the Toronto Maple Leafs marks a new chapter in the player’s journey and a potentially smart acquisition for Toronto’s playoff ambitions. As both fanbases digest the move, one thing is certain—**Dakota Joshua is back where it all began**, and this time, the spotlight is on him to make a difference.
