Blade of Steel has no direct affiliation to the Toronto Maple Leafs, NHL or NHLPA
Struggling Toronto Maple Leafs forward finally proves why he belongs on the roster
Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
There are numerous Toronto Maple Leafs forwards struggling right now, and against the Pittsburgh Penguins, one of those forwards got to shine for the first time.
During the summer, the Toronto Maple Leafs made some acquisitions that didn't age particularly well. For instance, the Leafs got Nicolas Roy, Matias Maccelli, and Dakota Joshua, who still have single-digit points.
Perhaps the worst of these players has been Joshua, who has mostly been a lame duck for the Maple Leafs throughout the past couple of months.
In fact, he was a healthy scratch a few games ago, and it felt as though he was firmly in Craig Berube's doghouse, and rightfully so.
However, on Saturday night, he arguably had his best game of the season, and it has a lot of pundits talking about the forward's potential.
Dakota Joshua finally breaks through for the Toronto Maple Leafs
Last night against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Dakota Joshua had one goal and a plus/minus of +2. It was a great showing, and the Leafs were very happy with it.
Pundits like Adam Wylde were quick to note that this was easily Joshua's best performance of the entire season, and something that fans should be excited about.
Whether or not this is something that he can continue doing throughout the entirety of the season is something that still remains to be seen.
Joshua was playing on a line with Bobby McMann and Nicolas Roy. Two players who have also struggled mightily at times throughout the season.
This is great news for the Leafs, who need to start getting some offense out of their best lines. Otherwise, this team is in for a world of hurt.
Joshua is making $3.25 million per season. With just six points this season, the team is expecting a lot more. However, if he can play like he did last night, perhaps he finally hits that stride.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 30 | 366 ANSWERS Struggling Toronto Maple Leafs forward finally proves why he belongs on the roster Do you believe Dakota Joshua deserves his spot on the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
| YES | 242 | 66.1 % |
| NO | 124 | 33.9 % |
| List of polls | ||