Maple Leafs’ Dakota Joshua returning to lineup on Thursday vs. Panthers

The Toronto Maple Leafs are getting some grit back in their bottom-six on Thursday.

Dakota Joshua will return to the lineup against the Florida Panthers, head coach Craig Berube told reporters pre-game, per The Hockey News’ David Alter.

Joshua has been sidelined since Dec. 28 after suffering a lacerated kidney against the Detroit Red Wings.

The six-foot-three, 218-pound forward will replace Calle Järnkrok in the lineup.

Joshua recorded six goals and four assists through 36 games before being injured in his first season with the Leafs.

Berube also confirmed that goaltender Joseph Woll will get the start in net on the second night of a back-to-back. The Leafs lost 4-2 to the Tampa Bay Lightning in their first game back from the Olympic break on Wednesday.

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