Maple Leafs Acquire Dakota Joshua, Wear Phil Kessel’s No. 81

Dakota Joshua, recently traded from the Vancouver Canucks back to the Toronto Maple Leafs, has chosen to wear jersey No. 81 as a tribute to former Maple Leafs star Phil Kessel, who also overcame testicular cancer. Joshua, who was originally drafted by Toronto but made his NHL debut with the St. Louis Blues, sees a deep personal connection in following Kessel's legacy both on the ice and in battling cancer. Joshua was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2024, causing him to miss part of the season, but he has since recovered and is eager for a fresh start with the Leafs. Both players' battles with cancer have shaped their outlooks, with Joshua emphasizing how the experience gave him strength and perspective on life. Toronto is counting on Joshua's grit and versatility to help fill the void left by Mitch Marner and to bolster their playoff ambitions. Under the guidance of coach Craig Berube, Joshua aims to build on his career and make a significant impact for the Maple Leafs in the coming seasons.