Toronto Maple Leafs pre-season prospect rankings: 11-15
13. Dakota Joshua
At 22-years-old, Dakota Joshua is getting some leeway because he’s a centre and unfortunately, the Leafs don’t have many in the system. Whether he decides to pursue a pro career in hockey remains to be seen, but he would get a fair shot with the Marlies.
Frederik Gauthier is at the point of his career where he needs to show the Leafs he is a viable call-up candidate, or eventually a player like Joshua can overtake him.
Again, it might be asking too much from a prospect who many haven’t seen play that much, but considering the position he plays, it deserves recognition. He has a big frame, which makes him a tough player to control in front of the net and he is not afraid to take the puck to the net.
Joshua isn’t going to blow you away with his offence. He scored 15 goals and 11 assists in 34 games with the Ohio State University, one year after putting up 35 points in 33 games.
Scott Wheeler of the Athletic wrote how Joshua’s strength is his puck control and ability to drive the play, but there’s still a lot to be determined about his game.