In a move that adds more future assets to their pipeline, the Vancouver Canucks have traded forward Dakota Joshua to the Toronto Maple Leafs. In exchange, the Canucks will receive a fourth-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft.
The trade comes as somewhat of a surprise, given that Joshua had just completed the first year of a newly signed four-year contract with Vancouver. The deal carries an average annual value (AAV) of $3.25 million, suggesting that the Canucks originally saw him as part of their long-term plans. However, the front office has clearly shifted course, choosing to prioritize draft capital over keeping Joshua on the roster.
For Vancouver, this deal adds to their growing collection of picks for upcoming drafts. With the 2028 fourth-rounder acquired from Toronto, the Canucks now hold eight selections in both the 2027 and 2028 NHL Drafts. This positions them well for either building through the draft or using those picks as trade chips in future transactions.
Joshua, 28, was a physical presence on Vancouver’s roster and brought a mix of size, grit, and secondary scoring. In the 2024–25 season, he played a solid bottom-six role, contributing both offensively and defensively while being an active part of the Canucks’ penalty kill. His north-south style of play, willingness to forecheck aggressively, and ability to chip in offensively made him a fan favorite during his time in Vancouver.
That said, the Canucks appear to be looking toward flexibility, both in terms of roster space and salary cap management. Moving Joshua’s $3.25 million AAV creates breathing room, which could allow the Canucks to pursue other players or extend some of their young core pieces in the near future. General Manager Patrik Allvin and President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford have emphasized the importance of building depth through the draft and developing talent internally, and this trade is consistent with that philosophy.
For the Toronto Maple Leafs, this is a move aimed at bolstering their depth in preparation for a playoff push. Joshua’s physical style should fit well into Toronto’s bottom six, adding the kind of grit and energy that can wear down opponents during a long postseason run. The Leafs have often been criticized for lacking toughness in their lineup during past playoff appearances, and Joshua’s addition could help address that concern.
From Toronto’s perspective, giving up a fourth-round pick in 2028 is a reasonable price to pay for a player who can contribute immediately and fill a specific role on the roster. Joshua is expected to slot into the Maple Leafs’ checking lines, where he can provide strong board play, forechecking pressure, and penalty-killing minutes.
As for the Canucks, they now have the draft capital to reshape their roster over the next few seasons. Whether they use their picks to select prospects or flip them for established players remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Vancouver is positioning itself for a long-term vision, even if it means parting with popular players like Dakota Joshua along the way.