New Leaf Dakota Joshua takes fellow cancer survivor Phil Kessel's No. 81

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Dakota Joshua knows taking number 81 on the Maple Leafs comes with a lot of history.

But in asking for it, the new left winger isn’t thinking of Phil Kessel the enigmatic scorer as much as a fellow testicular cancer survivor.

“I love the mojo there,” Joshua told the Sun on Tuesday when confirming he’ll wear his familiar digits from the Vancouver Canucks. “I knew his story and looking forward to playing a long time here like Kessel did.”

The only Leafs to wear 81 to date are Kessel and defenceman Mac Hollowell, for six games in 2022-23.

Kessel’s bout with the disease was with the Boston Bruins, before he led Toronto in points six consecutive seasons up to 2015. Joshua was diagnosed early last season, had a tumour removed and made it back to play 57 games. But it affected many aspects of his play and while his offensive numbers slipped, the Canucks missed the playoffs and the term and burden of Joshua’s contract ($3.25 million for three more years) were part of a change in direction for that club.

“For sure it puts your life in perspective,” Joshua said of his serious medical issue. “The biggest takeaway is that anything can happen to you, so make the most of (life). But after coming out the other side, I’m stronger as a person. It makes you confident you can get through anything.”

Joshua was traded here a week ago for a fourth-round pick in 2028. He was briefly in the Leaf orbit as a 2014 draft selection at 128th overall, the year William Nylander went eighth.

Joshua stayed at home at Dearborn, Mich., for that draft in Philadelphia, but did come to a couple of developmental camps where at 6-foot-3 and 206 pounds, he certainly garnered attention.

But the Leafs were undergoing a huge changing of the guard and he didn’t see a future in Hogtown – at least then.

“Being drafted by the Leafs was very special, a big moment in my career. It didn’t work out (the Ohio State grad was traded to St. Louis for future considerations), a mix of not being the right fit and a better opportunity with the Blues.

“But I had fun at Toronto’s camps and coming here today (to the Ford Centre practice facility) it was a little familiar to me.”

The 29-year-old met with general manager Brad Treliving, the training and equipment staff and caught up with some Leafs who are already busy with summer training. He says there was no discussion of exactly where he’ll fit in on left wing, likely in the bottom six once September camp begins.

“Today was moreso an introduction, getting back in the building and Brad telling me to have a good summer so I can hit the ground running in a couple of months.”

Since the trade, the sports networks have flooded their Leaf segments with Joshua’s fights, including one with Ottawa’s Brady Tkachuk, one of Toronto great nemeses, another a couple of years ago with Leaf defender Mark Giordano just before he turned 40.

Giordano, now a member of the Leafs’ development staff, said at the time he had second thoughts once he saw how big Joshua was.

“I didn’t see Mark today, but I’m sure when I do, we’ll have a few laughs about it,” Joshua said.

Sportsnet also noted Joshua and Tkachuk are two of three NHLers with 35-plus goals and at least 650 hits since 2022-23.

“For sure, that’s my game,” Joshua said. “It’s chip in offensively (18 goals the year before his cancer scare), play an up-and-down style. (Fighting) is part of the job. I Can’t wait until we get started.”

lhornby@postmedia.com

X: @sunhornby