Joshua makes season debut for Canucks after recovering from testicular cancer

VANCOUVER — Dakota Joshua will make his season debut for the Vancouver Canucks against the New York Islanders on Thursday (10 p.m. ET; SNP, MSGSN, MSGSN2) after being diagnosed with testicular cancer over the summer.

The 28-year-old center had surgery in September and missed training camp and the start of the season, but the Dearborn, Michigan, native has been around the Canucks for the past two weeks and has been practicing as a full participant.

“It’s been a long time coming and yes, it will be fun,” Joshua said Thursday. “It’s just nice to be back in the room with the guys and getting back to work.”

It was only the second time Joshua had spoken publicly since releasing a statement ahead of training camp revealing his cancer diagnosis, which came after he felt a lump and took it upon himself to see a doctor. He was asked if he has a new sense of gratitude and perspective when he returns.

“For sure. That was a scary time,” he said, “but I’m very grateful and just happy to still be in this position and be able to go out there and play.”

Joshua had 32 points (18 goals, 14 assists) for Vancouver last season – all NHL career highs – in 63 games. He added eight points (four goals, four assists) in 13 games during the Stanley Cup Playoffs before the Canucks were eliminated by the Edmonton Oilers in seven games in the second round of the Western Conference, signing a four-year, $13 million contract ($3.25). million average annual value) on June 27.

“It’s like making a big transaction,” coach Rick Tocchet said. “He’s a big kid with great hands. Obviously, he’s played really well for this organization, especially last year, so we’re really excited to have him back. He’s been through a lot, and I thought the way he handled it was great and we’re just happy for him.”

Joshua will play on the fourth line on Thursday and will have to work his way into a spot on the second power-play unit, but he also kills penalties and has a growing presence in a locker room that Tocchet has previously described as quiet.

“He’s a well-liked kid,” Tocchet said. ‘He has also become a leader. He has a big voice. It’s an important thing for us right now.”

Joshua (6-foot-1, 206 pounds) also led Vancouver, finishing ninth in the NHL with 244 hits last season and third in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs with 74 hits in 13 postseason games.

Canucks forward Kiefer Sherwood currently leads the NHL with 87 hits in 14 games, but Joshua vowed to try to catch up. He emphasized that the time off and the delayed start of this season will not affect the physical play and foreshadowing that he became known for last season.

“You have to get physically involved early,” Joshua said. ‘Kiefer has quite a bit of an advantage over me, but I’ll see what I can do. I want to come back and make sure I’m on top of things from the start and ready to help the team win. … I expect to be good. I don’t expect a grace period. I have been working hard on it, so I expect to make an impact as soon as possible.”

It already has an impact to see Joshua again after what he has been through.

“We’re all very happy to have him back,” forward Teddy Blueger said. “He’s a big personality in the room, a big part of the group and the camaraderie, so it’s great to have that part back. Hopefully being with us will be a good distraction for him, and something to give him some positive energy.

But the feeling is mainly positive that he is back after the last few months he has had. It’s been a difficult time, so I’m trying to help and support him in any way I can.”