When Dakota Joshua arrived in Toronto, there were questions—not about his talent, but about his impact. Auston Matthews‘ Maple Leafs were under scrutiny for a relatively quiet offseason, and Joshua’s acquisition didn’t immediately resonate as a game-changer. But the gritty forward is already carving out his space, ready to prove that he belongs.
Joshua’s hard-nosed style fits perfectly within new head coach Craig Berube’s blueprint. It’s more than just a tactical fit—the two share a connection that dates back to Joshua’s NHL debut. That shared history is quickly becoming one of the more compelling subplots of Toronto’s new era.
In a recent appearance on Leafs Morning Take, Joshua offered an emotional acknowledgment of Berube’s role in his career, underscoring the depth of their bond and the coach’s reputation for developing young players.
Joshua’s message
Before establishing himself as a reliable NHL forward, Dakota Joshua was just a prospect looking for a chance. That opportunity came in St. Louis, where Berube was behind the bench.
Dakota Joshua #81 with the Vancouver Canucks skates in the third period against the Winnipeg Jets at Canada Life Centre on March 30, 2025 in Winnipeg, Canada. (Photo by Cameron Bartlett/Getty Images)
“He’s a great guy and great coach, obviously he was the one who gave me my first shot in the league, and I’ll forever be thankful to him for that,” Joshua said during the podcast.
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Who’s next to benefit in Toronto?
Toronto’s current roster leans older, but Berube’s presence could still ignite growth among its younger contingent. Two names to watch: Nick Robertson and Easton Cowan.
Robertson needs a structured environment to refine his game and reach his full potential. Cowan, on the other hand, may be on the verge of a Joshua-like leap if given the right mentorship. Both players are entering pivotal seasons, and Berube’s guidance could be the difference.
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More importantly, with a full training camp and year of experience under Berube’s leadership, the Auston Matthews’ Maple Leafs are better positioned for internal growth and on-ice consistency.
