Blade of Steel has no direct affiliation to the NHL or NHLPA

Toronto Maple Leafs Receive Huge Reinforcement at Practice


PUBLICATION
Marshall Stinson
February 17, 2026  (5:24 PM)
SHARE THIS STORY

Detroit Red Wings defenseman Albert Johansson (20) and Toronto Maple Leafs center Dakota Joshua (81) fight for position in the third period at Little Caesars Arena.
Photo credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

The Toronto Maple Leafs took to the ice for the first time since the Olympic break started, while the tournament concludes regular practice resumes, and luckily for the Leafs, Dakota Joshua is back to skating since getting injured against the Detroit Red Wings in December.

Joshua provides a physical presence and a good energy to the team, and they will be happy to have him back.

Dakota Joshua back to practice for the first time in two months with Maple Leafs.

Thomas Williams of Editor in Leaf reported on the return of Joshua to the Leafs first skate back after about ten days off. Joshua Suffered a kidney laceration on December 28th against the Red Wings, and could return back to game action as soon as the Leafs are back in action.
"The 29-year-old has scored six goals and 10 points in the 36 games he's played, but all while averaging just 12:19 time-on-ice. He's not the perfect player, of course, and not the most offensively minded talent, but he gives Toronto so much in the bottom half of the lineup. For someone who has thrown 127 hits in those 36 games, that is certainly something we could see more of."-William

The Maple Leafs first game back will be February 25th against the Tampa Bay Lightning, and even though the Leafs claim to be sellers at the deadline, they will be still be looking to make a push for the playoffs, and Joshua could provide a much needed boost for the rest of the season.
"The first game back will be a beautiful matchup on Feb. 25 down in Tampa facing the Lightning, before they then have to go visit the Panthers the night after. What a welcome back to the NHL -- here's two of your biggest modern rivals and two losses could kill any modicum of playoff hope."-Williams

The Leafs have no room for error as they make their final playoff push, they currently sit six points back on their rival Boston Bruins for the second Wild Card position.
POLL
FEVRIER 17|381 ANSWERS
Toronto Maple Leafs Receive Huge Reinforcement at Practice

Will Dakota Joshua provide enough of a boost for the Toronto Maple Leafs to make the playoffs?

Yes12733.3 %
No25466.7 %
List of polls

BLADE OF STEEL
COPYRIGHT @2026 - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
TERMS OF SERVICE - PRIVACY POLICY - COOKIE POLICY
RSS FEED - SITEMAP - ROBOTS.TXT