The Toronto Maple Leafs will activate winger Dakota Joshua from long-term injured reserve before their upcoming game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, according to Sportsnet’s Anna Dua. Joshua’s participation in the game remains uncertain, as the team plans to carefully manage his ice time during their back-to-back schedule this week, but he will be available to play. Since the Leafs have an open roster spot, no additional moves are necessary to accommodate his return.
Details on Joshua’s Injury and Recovery Timeline
This could mark Joshua’s first game appearance of the calendar year, having suffered a kidney laceration on December 28 in a matchup against the Detroit Red Wings. Although he began skating last month, his return was delayed due to concerns over the potential for re-injury. With those risks now reduced, Joshua is cleared to rejoin the lineup and contribute on the ice.
Background on Joshua’s Role and Performance with the Leafs
When acquired from the Vancouver Canucks last summer for a fourth-round draft pick, Toronto viewed Joshua as a potential low-cost addition who might regain the offensive form he demonstrated during the 2023-24 season, when he scored 18 goals and recorded 32 points. At that time, the Leafs rewarded him with a four-year, $13 million contract extension. However, Joshua’s production declined in the following season, tallying only seven goals and 14 points in 57 games as he recovered from testicular cancer.
In Toronto so far this season, Joshua has posted six goals and 10 points over 36 games, averaging 0.28 points per game. This scoring rate is slightly better than last season but remains below his career average of 0.32 points per game. Despite his relatively high shooting percentage of 18.8%, he is averaging just 0.89 shots per game, the lowest since his brief 12-game rookie stint with the St. Louis Blues during the 2020-21 season.
Joshua’s Defensive Contributions and Team Impact
Head coach Craig Berube relies heavily on Joshua in defensive situations at even strength. Joshua has started 72.6% of his five-on-five shifts in the defensive zone, demonstrating trust in his defensive capabilities. Although he is not heavily used on the penalty kill, his minus-two rating is a positive indication given his defensive assignment and the team’s struggles in possession metrics this season.
With the Maple Leafs currently six points outside a playoff position, regaining an experienced and defensively reliable player like Joshua gives the team added depth and versatility as they aim to improve their standings in the coming weeks.
Maple Leafs lineup notes ahead of Wednesday’s game against Tampa Bay:
– Dakota Joshua (lacerated kidney) is good to go, will have his time managed since a back-to-back out of the gate is a heavy workload
– Decision to be made whether Easton Cowan will play or not in Tampa…
— Anna Dua (@AnnaNoelleDua) February 24, 2026
