Brief Introduction of Dakota Joshua
Dakota Joshua is an American professional ice hockey forward known for his physical and energetic style of play. He currently plays for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the National Hockey League (NHL). Joshua was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the fifth round, 128th overall, of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Before turning professional, he played collegiate hockey for Ohio State University. His journey to the NHL has been one of perseverance, with stints in the American Hockey League (AHL) and the ECHL. Joshua has also played for the St. Louis Blues and the Vancouver Canucks, where he had a breakout season in 2023-24, setting career highs in goals and assists. He is recognized for his contributions as a tough, bottom-six forward who can also contribute offensively.
Dakota Joshua Overview
| Full Name | Dakota Joshua |
| Date of Birth | May 15, 1996 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 29 |
| Birthplace | Dearborn, Michigan, U.S. |
| Profession | Professional Ice Hockey Forward |
| Husband/Wife | Not publicly available |
| Family | Mother – Jullee, Brother – Jagger |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Information not disclosed |
| Net Worth | Estimated to be around $15.4 million (projected) |
Early Life and Education of Dakota Joshua
Dakota Joshua was born on May 15, 1996, in Dearborn, Michigan. His passion for hockey was ignited at a young age, greatly influenced by his mother, Jullee, who played in the Michigan Senior Women’s Hockey League. Joshua began playing hockey at the age of three. He grew up with two younger brothers, Jagger and Bishop. His brother Jagger also plays hockey. Growing up, Joshua played for several youth teams in Michigan, including the Victory Honda U-13, Little Caesar’s U-14, and Honeybaked U-16 teams. He later joined the Sioux Falls Stampede in the United States Hockey League (USHL), where he played for three years and won the Clark Cup in 2014. After his junior career, Joshua committed to Ohio State University. He played for the Buckeyes from 2015 to 2019, where he was a key player and earned Honorable Mention All-Big Ten accolades in 2017. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Sport Industry in the summer of 2019.
Dakota Joshua’s Career
Dakota Joshua’s professional hockey career began after he was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the fifth round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Despite being drafted, he chose to pursue his education and develop his skills at Ohio State University. In July 2019, his rights were traded to the St. Louis Blues. He signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Blues and began his professional journey. His first year as a pro saw him splitting time between the AHL and the ECHL. Joshua made his NHL debut with the St. Louis Blues on March 1, 2021, and impressively scored a goal in his first game against the Anaheim Ducks. In July 2022, Joshua signed a two-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks as a free agent. With the Canucks, he established himself as a full-time NHL player, known for his physical play and ability to contribute offensively from a bottom-six role. The 2023-24 season was a standout for Joshua, as he recorded career highs in goals (18) and assists (14) for a total of 32 points. He also had a strong showing in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, tallying eight points in 13 games. Following his successful stint with the Canucks, he signed a four-year, $13 million contract extension with the team in June 2024. However, in a surprising move, he was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in July 2025.
Dakota Joshua Personal Life & Family
Dakota Joshua comes from a family with a strong connection to hockey. His mother, Jullee, was a hockey player herself. He has a younger brother named Jagger, who also plays hockey at the collegiate level. Joshua is known to be a private person, and details about his father and his relationship status are not publicly available. He has spoken about the challenges he and his brother have faced as Black players in a predominantly white sport and the importance of being a role model for younger players of color. In the summer of 2024, Joshua faced a significant personal challenge when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, which required surgery. He has since recovered and returned to playing in the NHL. His journey back to the ice has been an inspiration to many.
Awards and Achievements of Dakota Joshua
- USHL Clark Cup Champion (2015)
- NCAA (B1G) Honorable Mention All-Star Team (2017)
- NCAA (B1G) Regular Season Champion (2019)
- NCAA Midwest Regional All-Tournament Team (2018)
- Nominee for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy (2025)
Dakota Joshua Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Dakota Joshua’s projected net worth is estimated to be around $15.4 million. His primary source of income is his professional hockey career. He is currently under a four-year, $13 million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs, which carries an average annual salary of $3.25 million. His career earnings through the 2025 season are reported to be over $10 million. Like many professional athletes, his net worth is expected to grow with his continued success in the NHL and potential endorsement deals.
Legacy and Influence
Dakota Joshua’s legacy in hockey is still being written, but he has already made a significant impact both on and off the ice. On the ice, he is known for his relentless work ethic, physicality, and ability to step up in crucial moments, making him a valuable asset to any team. Off the ice, Joshua is an influential figure and a role model, particularly for young Black hockey players. He has been open about the racial adversity he and his family have faced in the hockey world and uses his platform to advocate for inclusivity and diversity in the sport. His courageous battle with and recovery from testicular cancer has also been a source of inspiration, highlighting his perseverance and dedication to the game. Through his actions, he is helping to make hockey a more welcoming sport for everyone.
Interesting Facts about Dakota Joshua
- His mother, Jullee, was his inspiration to start playing hockey.
- He scored a goal in his NHL debut with the St. Louis Blues.
- He was originally drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2014, the team he was later traded to in 2025.
- He recorded a Gordie Howe hat trick (a goal, an assist, and a fight) in a game against the Chicago Blackhawks in February 2024.
- He and his brother Jagger are both accomplished hockey players.
- He was nominated for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy in 2025 for his perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey following his cancer diagnosis.
Controversies
In November 2022, Dakota Joshua publicly denounced a racial slur directed at his younger brother, Jagger, during an NCAA hockey game. This incident brought to light the ongoing issue of racism in hockey and highlighted the challenges that players of color continue to face.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Information not disclosed
- Twitter – Information not disclosed
- YouTube – Not applicable
Final Words about Dakota Joshua
Dakota Joshua’s journey in the world of professional hockey is a testament to his resilience and determination. From his early days learning the game from his mother in Michigan to becoming an established NHL player, he has consistently overcome challenges with grace and strength. His career has seen him play for multiple organizations, with each stop contributing to his growth as a player and a person. His recent battle with cancer and subsequent return to the sport have further solidified his reputation as a courageous and inspiring individual. As he continues his career with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Dakota Joshua is poised to remain a significant presence in the NHL, not only for his on-ice contributions but also for his leadership and advocacy for a more inclusive and diverse hockey culture.
