Maple Leafs' Dakota Joshua to pay homage to Phil Kessel

Dakota Joshua knows he doesn't play the same style of hockey as Phil Kessel, but there's many things he can relate to him about, and the newest Toronto Maple Leaf is going to pay homage to the iron-man sniper, wearing #81 next season.

Joshua and Kessel are both testicular cancer survivors, and Joshua feels it's the perfect way to get the momentum started as a Maple Leaf, and the good omen's brewing. "I love the mojo there," Joshua told Postmedia's Lance Hornby. "I knew his story and looking forward to playing a long time here like Kessel did."

Kessel overcame the cancer as a rookie with the Boston Bruins back in 2006-07, prior to playing six seasons for the Maple Leafs, scoring 394 points in 446 games, good for 25th in franchise history. Meanwhile, Joshua missed the start of last season following his diagnosis, and has used the experience to fuel his fire to succeed, and enjoy every moment.

"It puts your life in perspective," Joshua said. "The biggest takeaway is that anything can happen to you, so make the most of (life). But after coming out the other side, I'm stronger as a person. It makes you confident you can get through anything."

Joshua joined the Maple Leafs via trade from the Vancouver Canucks, and has a legit shot at making a serious impact next season in Toronto. He'll likely suit up on the team's third line in a checking role, but there's no doubt he'll push for the second-line left wing spot.

Joshua spent two seasons with the St. Louis Blues prior to joining the Canucks in 2022, and played under Craig Berube.