On July 17, Dakota Joshua returned to the Toronto Maple Leafs, rejoining the team that first drafted him in 2014 after stints with the St. Louis Blues and Vancouver Canucks. His comeback was marked by a mix of familiarity and personal resilience, including his connection to key figures like Auston Matthews and head coach Craig Berube, as well as his recent battle with testicular cancer.
Joshua Reflects on Reuniting with Coach Craig Berube
Joshua shared his admiration for Leafs coach Craig Berube, who played a pivotal role in launching his NHL career. Before he was traded back to Toronto, Joshua reached out to Berube, appreciating both his coaching approach and leadership style.
“I spoke to him on the phone the other day,” Joshua said Wednesday on Leafs Nation (1:50 onwards). “He’s a great guy and great coach. Obviously, he was the one who kind of gave me my first shot in the league, and, you know, I’ll forever be thankful for to him for that.”
“And it was nice to see how he ran the team and and obviously makes it that much more exciting to join and play for him again, the familiarity goes a long way,”
Joshua acknowledged that Berube’s clear expectations and professional demeanor make a significant difference for players. He particularly values the coach’s straightforward communication about performance and competition.
“Chief, he’s very professional and he’s a straight shooter,” Joshua said.
He also pointed out that both Berube and assistant coach Rick Tocchet encourage a hard-working, north-south style of hockey, matching Joshua’s preferred playing approach.
“(Both Berube and Tocchet) like a hard-working, north-south game, which is my type of game,” Joshua said, via the Toronto Star on July 23.
Early Connections with Leafs Stars at Development Camps
During his initial years with the Leafs, Joshua encountered some of Toronto’s key players at development camps, including Auston Matthews and William Nylander. Though not closely connected then, Joshua noted that familiarity with these athletes eases his integration into the current roster.
“Just Auston Matthews and William Nylander were around at the development camps when I was there,” Joshua added. “Joseph Woll was there in my last year.”
Matthews has been a standout performer for the Maple Leafs, scoring 33 goals during the 2024–25 season despite battling injuries. Nylander also remained a key presence, finishing with 45 goals and 84 points, underscoring his value to the team.
Overcoming a Personal Health Challenge During Offseason
Joshua’s offseason included a serious health scare when he discovered a lump on one of his testicles, later diagnosed as testicular cancer. He underwent surgery to remove the tumor, which sidelined him during training camp but has since fueled his commitment to recovery and returning to the ice.
“This summer, I felt a lump on one of my testicles that doctors would later diagnose as testicular cancer,” he said in a statement in September. “Thankfully, doctors were able to successfully remove the tumor.”
Despite this setback, Joshua has been dedicated to regaining his form, driven by his determination to contribute to the Leafs’ lineup once again.
Joining a Team Built Around Established Talent
Back with the Maple Leafs, Joshua steps into a team led by star players like Auston Matthews and William Nylander, who continue to carry the offense. His role will be to complement this core by bringing his hardworking style and bringing the coach’s vision to life on the ice.
With Berube’s straightforward guidance and the familiarity of key teammates, Joshua appears poised for a promising season, embodying resilience and readiness to capitalize on his second chance in Toronto.