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Toronto Maple Leafs Acquire Expensive Winger From Canadian Rival

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Jack Sutherland | Last updated Jul 17, 2025 5:12 PM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs have acquired Dakota Joshua from the Vancouver Canucks and only had to pay a 4th round pick in the 2028 NHL Entry Draft.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have spoken about the need to change the DNA of their club after another postseason disappointment against the divisional foe Florida Panthers, who eventually went on to win their 2nd Stanley Cup in a row.

The Maple Leafs, who have already traded forward Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights, have picked up a valuable new piece for their forward units.

They have acquired Dakota Joshua from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for a 4th round pick in the 2028 NHL Entry Draft.

Joshua returns to the team that he was originally taken by; the Leafs took him 128th overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.

But he never played a game in a Leafs sweater, and his rights were later traded to the St. Louis Blues in 2019 for future considerations. He played in 42 total games with the Blues and also split time with their AHL affiliate Springfield Thunderbirds. Later, as a UFA, he signed with the Vancouver Canucks, a 2-year deal.

He later signed a 4 year, $13 million contract with the Canucks that carries an AAV (average annual value) of $3.25 million after he scored a career-best 32 points (18G, 14A) in 2023-24.

But he missed the start of last year after being diagnosed with testicular cancer and undergoing successful surgery. He eventually returned to the lineup in mid-November, and finished with 14 points (7G, 7A) in 57 games.

He has 78 points (40G, 38A) in 241 career NHL games.

This article first appeared on House of Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

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