Canucks’ Dakota Joshua to make season debut against Islanders on Thursday
Some uplifting news for the Vancouver Canucks.
On Thursday night, forward Dakota Joshua will make his season debut when the Canucks host the New York Islanders.
Joshua has missed the first 14 games of the season while recovering from treatment after being diagnosed with testicular cancer this past summer. He had successful surgery to remove the tumor.
Looks like Dakota Joshua, who underwent surgery to remove a cancerous tumor this summer after being diagnosed with testicular cancer, will make season debut tonight vs. #Isles.
Took line rushes with Raty and Hoglander.
Got paid this summer, too: 4x$3.25#Isles
Joshua was seen taking line rushes with Aatu Raty and Nils Hoglander during the team’s morning skate on Thursday. The 28-year-old had been skating for the past couple of weeks, doing his best to get back in shape before joining the lineup.
Joshua had quite the breakout campaign last season. In his second season with the Canucks, and just his second year as a full-time NHLer, the Dearborn, Michigan native posted career highs in goals (18), assists (14) and points (32). All while missing a total of 19 games due to injury. Joshua’s also posted four goals and eight points in 13 playoff games as Vancouver advanced to Game 7 of the Pacific Division Final, ultimately losing to the eventual Western Conference champion Edmonton Oilers.
His performance led to the Canucks giving him a four-year contract. The deal will carry a $3.25 million cap hit through the 2027-28 campaign.
In 184 NHL appearances, the former St. Louis Blue has notched 33 goals and 31 assists for 64 points. All but nine of those points have come with the Canucks.
Joshua’s return will only add to what has been a good run for Vancouver in recent weeks. After a sluggish start to 2024-25, the Canucks (8-3-3) have won seven of their last 10 games, moving up to a tie for third in the division with the Calgary Flames in points (19) and second in winning percentage (.679).