New Maple Leafs Forward Dakota Joshua Takes on the Jersey Number of a Leafs Legend

Some players like a new start with a new jersey number when they join a different NHL team. However, Dakota Joshua will stick with the same number that he wore in Vancouver -- and the number has a special significance for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Joshua has worn #81 since he joined the Vancouver Canucks in 2022 as his usual jersey number (8) was already being worn by Conor Garland.

Defenceman Chris Tanev currently wears number 8 for the Maple Leafs, but Joshua says he's more than happy to stick with 81 anyway. Especially now, since he's playing in Toronto where Phil Kessel wore the number for several years.

Not only do they have that in common, but both have battled bouts of testicular cancer and returned to the sport they love.

This is a really cool connection between two NHL players who have gone through similar struggles. Joshua had to wait until November to make his season debut for the Vancouver Canucks in 2024 after recovering from the disease.

Kessel beat testicular cancer in 2006, his rookie year with the Boston Bruins.

Joshua was acquired by the Toronto Maple Leafs for a specific reason; he's a hard-nosed player who is built for the post season grind. Beating cancer and returning to the NHL should give you an indication of his resiliency and perseverance. Hit hit totals will give a better idea of the way he likes to play the game. The Leafs fans should enjoy what he brings to the team, and in a familiar number to boot.