Canucks’ Dakota Joshua 1-2 weeks away from making season debut

According to Daily Faceoff insider Frank Seravalli, Vancouver Canucks forward Dakota Joshua could be set to make his season debut in the next 1-2 weeks after getting diagnosed with testicular cancer over the summer.

Joshua recently returned to practice with the Canucks, skating in a non-contact jersey. The Athletic’s Thomas Drance reported that Joshua would “begin to take a few ‘bumps'” during practice on Tuesday ahead of the team’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Joshua spent time with the St. Louis Blues before finding his stride with the Vancouver Canucks, who signed him to a deal in 2021. Joshua had a breakout campaign in 2023-24, scoring a career-high 18 goals and 32 points in 63 games. He added another four goals and eight points in 13 playoff games, helping the Canucks qualify for the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Joshua’s impressive play earned him a four-year, $13 million contract extension this past June. He was diagnosed with testicular cancer this past summer, preventing him from taking part in the start of the NHL campaign. Despite the diagnosis, Joshua underwent successful surgery to remove the tumor and has worked on getting back onto the ice.

“This summer, I felt a lump on one of my testicles that doctors would later diagnose as testicular cancer.,” said Joshua in a statement shared by the Canucks on Sept. 17. “This news was obviously scary to hear, but thankfully, doctors were able to successfully remove the tumor. The last several weeks have been extremely challenging and l’ve been fortunate to have the support of my family, friends, teammates, and doctors.”

The Canucks are off to a rough start in 2024-25, sitting fifth in the Pacific Division with six points. The team boasts a 2-1-2 record, doing so without starting goaltender Thatcher Demko. The Canucks are only three points behind the Calgary Flames for first in the Pacific, so the fight remains close.