Leafs head coach Craig Berube seals Dakota Joshua's fate in Toronto
Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Dakota Joshua struggled at the start of the season, although a healthy scratch has motivated him to level up his game.
Just last week, Dakota Joshua was a healthy scratch following a terrible stretch of games. In 22 games, Joshua had just five points and two goals.
The fanbase was losing patience with Joshua, and they were begging Leafs head coach Craig Berube to punish him with a long-overdue healthy scratch.
In the three games since being scratched, Joshua has managed two goals and an assist. Against the Florida Panthers, he had a two-point game, notching a goal and an assist at the perfect time.
The forward is playing alongside Nicolas Roy and Bobby McMann. The third line is coming together at the right time, and it feels like the Leafs are on the precipice of something special.
Craig Berube is a big fan of Dakota Joshua
Berube acknowledged as much while speaking to the media recently. When asked about his third line, he showered praise upon guys like McMann and Joshua.
I think they're starting to form an identity with those three guys right now. I mean, they're all on the same page. You've got some good speed out there with Bobby, getting on pucks, and Dax really starting to skate now too. So the difference in his game for me is his skating.
With fears that the Leafs might just part ways with Joshua, it is clear that this will no longer happen. After all, he has the seal of approval from his head coach.
Berube coached Joshua in St. Louis, and there is no denying that the forward has come a long way since that time. However, the expectation will be for Joshua to keep up his current standards.
With four goals and four assists this season, Joshua has the potential to be a 15-goal guy. He could also be a 40-point guy if he plays consistently every night.
That said, it is going to be very interesting to watch him play over the next few months. Hopefully, the last two games are an indication of what we can expect going forward.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 4 | 370 ANSWERS Leafs head coach Craig Berube seals Dakota Joshua's fate in Toronto Do you believe Dakota Joshua has been playing well for the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
| YES | 294 | 79.5 % |
| NO | 76 | 20.5 % |
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