Toronto Maple Leafs forward Dakota Joshua joined Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill for a wide-ranging conversation. He started by reacting to the hiring of Jim Hiller as the team's new head coach, calling it exciting news and noting he's heard nothing but positive things about Hiller from people around the organization.

Joshua also discussed the significance of change following a disappointing season, admitting the group fell well short of expectations. He said the fresh start brought on by organizational changes has been welcomed by the players, adding that everyone is eager to put last season behind them after it left a bad taste in their mouths.

The conversation then shifted to the Leafs winning the draft lottery and the excitement surrounding the opportunity to add a franchise-changing talent. Joshua also weighed in on the current mood around the team, the lessons learned from last season, and why he felt the urgency level never reached where it needed to be.

Additionally, he shared his thoughts on the trade that sent Joseph Woll and Simon Benoit to Philadelphia, admitting it was tough to see two close friends moved out of the organization. Joshua also opened up about the lacerated kidney injury he suffered, detailing the physical and mental challenges that came with the recovery process.

To wrap things up, Joshua set the record straight on William Nylander's viral middle-finger moment, revealing he didn't even see it happen in real time because his view was blocked. He also had a funny story about Craig Berube's bizarre barbell injury.

🚨 Subscribe to Leafs Nation on Youtube!🚨

➡️ / @theleafsnation401

SHOUTOUT TO OUR SPONSORS!!

👍🏼Powered by @bet365. Whatever the moment, it's Never Ordinary at bet365. Download the App today and use promo code NATION. http://www.bet365.ca/

Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly. Eligible iGames conducted and managed by iGO are only available to those physically present in the Province of Ontario. 19+.

👍🏼MOVEMBER: https://ca.movember.com/

Reach out to sales@thenationnetwork.com to connect with our Sales Team and discuss opportunities to partner with us!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.