Dakota Joshua was thought to be interested in the Buffalo Sabres if he were to become a free agency on July 1. It makes sense because their middle six could use a power forward who can contribute offensively and is very physical. Of course, Joshua would have given that to the Sabres.
All hope of Joshua turning into a Sabre, though, is now moot. The Vancouver Canucks have signed the 6-foot-3 forward to a four-year contract with a $3.25 million AAV.
The 28-year-old Joshua would have been a valuable addition to the Sabres’ roster. In 2023–24, he had a huge breakthrough season, setting new career highs with 18 goals, 14 assists, and 32 points in 63 games. In 13 postseason games, he scored four goals and eight points, demonstrating his improved play.
Joshua also plays a heavy game, as was already said. With 245 hits in the previous season, he set a career high. This came after the previous season, when he had 222 hits in 79 games.
Joshua’s decision to stay with the Canucks is understandable, even though it is unfortunate that he did not immediately find a new team. There are still several good choices available to the Sabres in free agency, like Max Domi, Tyler Bertuzzi, and David Perron, if they want to add a tough and skilled forward.
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