Maple Leafs activate Dakota Joshua from injured reserve

Joshua hasn’t played since suffering a lacerated kidney during a December 28 game against the Detroit Red Wings. He resumed skating on January 24, and joined the team for the first practice after the Olympic break on February 17.

“It’s great having him back out there. He’s feeling good and ready to go, so see how it goes this week,” Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said of Joshua on February 17.

During Tuesday’s practice, Joshua took line rushes alongside Scott Laughton and Steven Lorentz. It’s likely that Joshua will continue to operate in a fourth-line capacity upon returning to the lineup.

The 29-year-old has recorded six goals and 10 points in 36 games this season.

Toronto resumes its schedule Wednesday, where Calle Jarnkrok will slot into the fourth-line right wing slot, alongside Laughton and Lorentz. Auston Matthews rejoined the team, after missing Tuesday’s practice, while celebrating the United States’ Olympic gold medal at the White House with teammates. John Tavares also joined the team, after missing Tuesday’s practice due to illness.

Joshua was acquired in a trade with the Vancouver Canucks last July, in exchange for a 2028 fourth-round pick. He remains under contract through the 2027-28 season at a $3.25 million cap hit.

It will be compelling to see how the rest of the season plays out, as Joshua looks to work his way back into the lineup, while the Maple Leafs are six points out of a playoff six spot, with 25 games remaining. Toronto has several players reportedly on the trade block and the lineup could be in flux, with the next few games certainly determining the team’s direction at the trade deadline.