Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs have given us an update on the status of forward Dakota Joshua after he was hospitalized with a serious kidney injury suffered during a game.
But as bizarre as it was, it was equally as serious. According to Craig Berube there was blood involved, and Joshua needed to be hospitalized in Detroit while the rest of the team continued their business.
It’s an injury that will keep him out for a while but at least the team has a bit of positive news coming out of Detroit.
Dakota Joshua improving but still a long way from returning
According to NHL.com’s Dave McCarthy, Joshua spent the day with his mother in Detroit after leaving the hospital, and that he’s doing better per Craig Berube; ut he’s not out of trouble yet:
Dakota Joshua is spending a day with his mom in Detroit and then will be heading back to Toronto.
Craig Berube said he’s doing «better» but will also miss significant time with a kidney injury.
The injury seemingly occurred when Joshua missed a hit and ended up going rib/sternum first into the boards:
Although the video cuts off short of Joshua’s reaction afterwards, you can tell he pulls up gingerly and clearly there was something serious going on.
Bad luck for Maple Leafs and Dakota Joshua
Last year, he underwent treatment for testicular cancer and managed to make a recovery and play the latter half of the season. That alone is inspirational and this latest setback is disheartening both from an on-ice and off-ice perspective.
Joshua, 29, has 10 points in 36 games so far this season (6 goals, 4 assists) and a minus-two but also adding 26 blocks, 127 hits, and 25 PIM in 12:19 TOI.
He was brought in because of his history with Craig Berube as well as giving the Maple Leafs more edge and grit in their lineup. It was a tough start for Joshua, and it’s awful luck that he’s out for the foreseeable future.
But there’s nothing the team can do but hope he recovers fully and makes a return later on and gives them a spark as they push towards the playoffs.
We would like to extend our best wishes to Dakota Joshua for a speedy recovery.
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Maple Leafs share update on Dakota Joshua following hospitalization
Will Dakota Joshua return this season for the Maple Leafs?