Dakota Joshua Reveals How He Feels About Playing Under Leafs Coach Craig Berube Again
Photo credit: Dennis Schneidler - Imagn Images
Newly acquired Maple Leafs forward Dakota Joshua has a history with Leafs head coach Craig Berube, and has revealed how he feels about him ahead of training camp.
After having swung for a trade earlier this month with the Vancouver Canucks, Dakota Joshua has returned to his former stomping grounds in Toronto after having been originally drafted by the Maple Leafs back in 2014.
He eventually signed in St. Louis, where he made his debut with Craig Berube behind the bench and credits his former boss for the successes he earned later on during his time in Vancouver under Rick Tocchet.
"(Both Berube and Tocchet) like a hard-working, north-south game, which is my type of game. And so (Tocchet) was also a tremendous help in letting my career take off after getting started with Chief. Chief, he's very professional and he's a straight shooter. He lets you know where you stand and wants you to go out there and get the job done. He expects a lot out of his players, which I like. He was a tremendous help in getting my career started and evolving into the player I am today."
Joshua went from 11 goals and 23 points in 79 games in 2022-23 to scoring 18 goals and 32 points in 63 games the following season. He later added 8 points in 13 playoff games with 74 hits, on top of the 245 he dished out during the regular season.
Joshua signed a 4-year deal worth $13 million soon thereafter, but was quickly handed some unfortunate news that he was diagnosed with testicular cancer before the start of the 2024-25 season. He was able to make a recovery and went on to record 7 goals and 14 points in 57 games once he was able to return.
Through all that adversity, Joshua kept playing a key role for the Canucks and delivered on the physical side of the puck. With all the knowledge he picked up from Tocchet as well, Joshua is hoping that translates to success in Toronto this year.
"I'm looking forward to coming out and spending the (rest of the) summer in Toronto, just getting familiar with everybody and getting acclimated before the season. I'm just looking to hit the ground running when camp starts."
Look for the 29-year-old to play with a chip on his shoulder as he looks to regain the form that saw him earn a $13 million contract a few years ago. The familiarity all around him should help, starting with Berube being behind the bench.
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