When Auston Matthews‘ Toronto Maple Leafs acquired Dakota Joshua from the Vancouver Canucks, they weren’t just getting a versatile forward—they were welcoming a player with a powerful personal story and deep respect for the team’s past. The 29-year-old will wear No. 81 this NHL season, a number that carries more meaning than just his previous assignment in Vancouver.
As Joshua explained this week, his decision is rooted in homage. He’s choosing to wear No. 81 as a tribute to one of the franchise’s most prolific forwards—Phil Kessel, who tallied 394 points over 446 games with Toronto and became a fan favorite during his six-season tenure.
“I love the mojo there,” Joshua told the Toronto Sun. “I knew his story, and looking forward to playing a long time here like Kessel did.”
Shared struggles forge deeper connection
But the connection between the two players goes far beyond a jersey number. Both Kessel and Joshua have overcome testicular cancer, a battle that has shaped their perspectives on and off the ice. Kessel’s diagnosis came during his rookie season with the Boston Bruins in 2006–07, while Joshua’s came ahead of the 2024–25 campaign, causing him to miss the start of the season.
Reflecting on that experience, Joshua offered a candid look at how the diagnosis changed him: “For sure, it puts your life in perspective. The biggest takeaway is that anything can happen to you, so make the most of (life). But after coming out the other side, I’m stronger as a person. It makes you confident you can get through anything.”
From draft pick to full circle
Joshua’s move to Toronto also marks a full-circle moment in his career. Originally selected by the Maple Leafs with the No. 128 overall pick in the 2014 NHL Draft, he never suited up for the organization. Instead, his NHL debut came with the St. Louis Blues in the 2020–21 season under current Leafs coach Craig Berube, before making a mark in Vancouver starting in 2022.
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What do you think of Dakota Joshua wearing Phil Kessel’s No. 81 in Toronto?
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Now under contract for three more seasons with a $3.25 million cap hit, Joshua brings grit, versatility, and a compelling personal journey to a Leafs lineup led by Auston Matthews. Toronto sent a 2028 fourth-round pick to Vancouver to finalize the deal.