Dakota Joshua's availability for Maple Leafs' opener uncertain
Maple Leafs' forward Dakota Joshua may not be ready for the opening night against Montreal, according to head coach Jim Hiller.
Quick answers
Is Dakota Joshua injured for the Maple Leafs season opener?
Yes, Dakota Joshua's availability for the Toronto Maple Leafs' opening night is in question. Head coach Jim Hiller stated that he is unsure if Joshua will be healthy for the game against the Montreal Canadiens.
What is the status of Dakota Joshua's injury?
Details about Dakota Joshua's injury have not been disclosed by head coach Jim Hiller. Joshua has not participated in preseason activities and has a history of injuries, raising concerns about his readiness for the start of the season.
Dakota Joshua’s uncertain status for season opener
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Dakota Joshua’s availability for the season opener is in question. Head coach Jim Hiller stated that he is uncertain about Joshua’s health status ahead of the team’s first game against the Montreal Canadiens on September 29, as reported by Sportsnet’s Luke Fox.
Ongoing injury concerns
The 30-year-old Joshua has a lengthy injury history that raises concerns for the Maple Leafs. He has not participated in any preseason games this year. Last season, an upper-body injury cut his 2025-26 season short by one week.
In addition, a lacerated kidney, sustained during a game against the Detroit Red Wings, sidelined him for almost two months last year. His absences over previous seasons included lower-body injuries as well as a diagnosis of testicular cancer that required surgery.
Joshua’s impact when healthy
Despite his frequent injuries, Joshua has demonstrated his value as a depth forward. Last season, he led the Maple Leafs with 195 hits, a title he also held during his tenure with the Vancouver Canucks between 2022 and 2025.
Joshua achieved a career-high shooting percentage of 16.7%, which positions him well for the potential of double-digit goals this season if he can stay healthy.
Competition for the left-wing position
If Joshua cannot play in the season opener, competition for his roster spot will intensify. Several players are vying for the fourth left-wing position, including Steven Lorentz, Jacob Quillan, Zack MacEwen, and Brendan Brisson.
Lorentz appears to be the frontrunner, having scored 18 points in 71 games last season. He has also not been assigned to minor leagues since the 2019-20 season and has accumulated 80 points in 381 NHL games.
For related context, see latest NHL injury updates.
Reporting for this story draws on Pro Hockey Rumors.
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