Dakota Joshua and Nikita Zadorov have caught the attention of the Toronto Maple Leafs, according to reports from Rick Dhaliwal of the Donnie and Dhali Show, who typically covers Vancouver Canucks news. Both players are potentially on the Leafs’ radar for the upcoming season.
Joshua, known for his blend of physicality and scoring ability, fits the vision of Leafs’ management, including head coach Craig Berube and general manager Brad Treliving. While likely to slot into a bottom-six role initially, there’s potential for Joshua to move up to a middle-six position. His style of play could fill the gap left by players like Tyler Bertuzzi or provide depth similar to what Zach Hyman and Michael Bunting offered alongside Auston Matthews. However, it’s noted that Joshua’s previous season, where he scored 18 goals in 68 games with a shooting percentage over 20%, might not be easily replicated, posing a risk in terms of contract value.
On the other hand, Nikita Zadorov brings a different dynamic with his defensive prowess and imposing physical presence. With ties to Treliving dating back to their days in Calgary, Zadorov’s potential as a shutdown defenseman is appealing to the Leafs. Pairing him with Jake McCabe could solidify Toronto’s defense, making them a formidable opponent in the Eastern Conference. Despite potential concerns about overpaying for his services given his previous $3.75 million cap hit, a strategic offer could secure Zadorov, potentially in the $5.5 to $6 million range, aligning with the Leafs’ budget flexibility.
In summary, both Joshua and Zadorov offer unique attributes that could significantly enhance the Leafs’ roster depth and defensive stability. As negotiations unfold in the offseason, Toronto aims to secure impactful additions while navigating the complexities of player contracts and market dynamics.
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