Imagine being benched in the prime of your career, earning a staggering $13 million contract, yet struggling to meet expectations. This is the harsh reality Dakota Joshua, the Toronto Maple Leafs forward, is facing right now. After being a healthy scratch in the team’s recent 2-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets, Joshua finds himself at a crossroads. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: his head coach, Craig Berube, has delivered a blunt message that could either make or break his season.
Joshua’s journey to the Maple Leafs hasn’t been without its highs and lows. Acquired from the Vancouver Canucks during the offseason, the 29-year-old center was expected to bring physicality and playmaking skills to Toronto’s bottom-six forward lineup. However, with just 5 points so far this season, his performance has fallen short of the team’s—and his own—expectations. Signed to a four-year, $13 million contract with an annual cap hit of $3.25 million, the pressure is undeniably on.
During a candid team practice on Thursday, Joshua openly acknowledged his struggles. “We need more out of you,” Berube told him, a message Joshua readily accepted. “I have no arguments with that,” he admitted. “I need more out of myself, and so does the team. I’ve got to be better.” This self-awareness is a promising sign, but the question remains: can he turn things around?
And this is the part most people miss: Joshua’s career isn’t defined by this slump. During the Canucks’ 2023-24 season, he shone with 32 points in 63 games, averaging just over 14 minutes of ice time. Yet, the following season saw a dip to 14 points in 57 games, a stark contrast that highlights the inconsistency he’s battling. The Leafs didn’t bring him in to be just another player; they expected him to dominate the puck, control the play, and make life miserable for opponents.
Joshua himself recognizes what’s needed. “I need to chip in more, control the game with my linemates, and be more connected out there,” he explained. “I want to be the guy who drives the play down low and makes it tougher on the other team.” But is this enough to regain his footing?
Here’s where it gets controversial: During his media scrum, Coach Berube emphasized that Joshua needs to reclaim his physical identity on the ice. “He has to be a hard player to play against,” Berube stated. “He’s got to get more puck touches in the offensive zone, win those net-front battles, and tip pucks.” While this sounds like a clear roadmap, it raises questions: Is Joshua’s current role in the lineup limiting his ability to shine? Or is this simply a matter of personal execution?
Joshua returned to the lineup for Friday’s game against the Washington Capitals, skating on the third line alongside Nicolas Roy and Bobby McMann. Meanwhile, Max Domi and Mattias Macelli, who were also scratched on Wednesday, remained on the sidelines. But as Joshua fights to prove himself, one can’t help but wonder: Can he live up to the expectations of his contract and his coach’s vision?
What do you think? Is Dakota Joshua’s slump a temporary setback or a sign of deeper issues? Does Coach Berube’s approach give him a fair shot at redemption, or is the pressure too much? Let us know in the comments—this is one hockey debate you won’t want to miss!
