NHL trade rumor: Toronto Maple Leafs' $13 million forward emerges as a potential trade candidate ahead of trade deadline

The Toronto Maple Leafs could be considering another roster shake-up, as the club is planning to consider forward Dakota Joshua as a trade candidate. The $13 million forward has emerged as a potential trade candidate and he has been included at No. 23 on its latest NHL Trade Watch List.The Maple Leafs forward is reportedly attracting attention around the league, with Toronto potentially looking to create additional salary-cap flexibility to reconsider its roster. The organization has an 8-7-2 record and is sixth in the Atlantic Division standings. The reason for the Toronto Maple Leafs trading forward Dakota Joshua, who currently plays for the franchise, is primarily to create additional salary-cap flexibility and strengthen their roster..Rumors suggest that the Maple Leafs could consider forward Dakota Joshua as a possible trade candidateThe trade rumours are doing the rounds, suggesting that Toronto could potentially move forward Dakota Joshuato another NHL team to free up salary-cap space, rather than acquiring him from another franchise. Toronto's increased depth at forward could be one of the reasons behind the growing trade speculation surrounding Joshua.According to a report by The Fourth Period, Joshua has been included at No. 23 on its latest NHL Trade Watch List. The Maple Leafs forward is reportedly attracting attention around the league, with Toronto potentially looking to create additional salary-cap flexibility as it evaluates its roster."With a plethora of forwards on the roster, Toronto is going to have to make space later in the season and Joshua's name has already been circulating across the NHL. He has another year left on his contract, and he may ultimately be a cap casualty if the Leafs need to make other moves," The Fourth Period wrote. (source: Yahoo)As per reports, Joshua is currently in the third season of his four-year, $13 million contract. The Maple Leafs brought in multiple bottom-six forwards during the offseason, creating additional competition for roster spots.With the Maple Leafs needing more cap space, they could benefit from moving on Joshua's $3.25 million cap hit. With several NHL-caliber players available, the organization could consider moving Joshua to free up cap space and potentially pursue other roster improvements.The 30-year-old forward recently returned from injury and has appeared in two NHL games this season. As for his performance so far, he has five shots and 12 hits without registering a point. He also played four conditioning games with the Toronto Marlies earlier in the campaign.In 2025-26, Joshua previously recorded 10 goals, eight assists, and 18 points, alongside 195 hits. His physical style and exceptional playmaking skill remains one of his biggest strengths, making him a potentially attractive option for teams add toughness and depth to their forward group.It will be intriguing to witness Maple Leafs make this decision. With the club having a surplus of NHL-caliber forwards, it could be a good decision considering for Toronto’s run for Stanley Cup this year.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.