Toronto Maple Leafs Acquire Dakota Joshua from the Vancouver Canucks in Stunning Trade

With the Toronto Maple Leafs looking to improve their bottom-six, general manager Brad Treliving has been fishing around for some trade potential.

Today, he pulled the trigger on an unexpected deal, as the team acquired center Dakota Joshua from the Vancouver Canucks.

In exchange, the Leafs will be sending a fourth-round pick in the 2028 NHL draft to the Canucks. It's not a lot, but considering Joshua will likely be on the fourth line, it's enough.

Joshua's contract is a bit of an expensive one as he currently makes over $3 million per season. But he is a Swiss Army knife of sorts because he can play on the wing and down the middle.

A couple of seasons ago, he had 18 goals and 32 assists, which is the kind of production the Leafs would love to see on their fourth line.

Even if Joshua doesn't light the lamp, he is still a big player who can get you some solid shifts, and shut down opposing teams.

The Maple Leafs are actively rejecting their bottom-six from last season, which certainly had its fair share of issues.

Overall, Joshua will now join players like Nicolas Roy, who could be huge studs on the third and fourth lines for the team.

Ultimately, this is going to be a unique roster, and one has to wonder if Treliving will be able to reach out and get a top-six forward, as well.

Based on what we know, that has to be a priority for the franchise right now.