Joshua set NHL career highs in goals (18), assists (14) and points (32) in 63 games for Vancouver last season. He also had eight points (four goals, four assists) in 13 games during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, when the Canucks were eliminated by the Edmonton Oilers in seven games in the Western Conference Second Round.
He signed a four-year, $13 million contract ($3.25 million average annual value) on June 27.
“It's like making a major trade,” coach Rick Tocchet said. “He's a big kid that's got 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 gone through a lot of stuff, and I've loved the way he's dealt with it, and we're just happy for him.”
Joshua played on the fourth line against the Islanders and finished the game with a minus-1 rating in 12:05 of ice time. He will have to work his way back into a spot on the second power-play unit, but he also kills penalties and has a growing presence in a locker room Tocchet has previously described as quiet.
“He's a well-liked kid,” Tocchet said. “He's turned into a leader, too. He's got a big voice. It's a major thing for us right now.”
Joshua (6-foot-3, 206 pounds) also led Vancouver and was ninth in the NHL with 244 hits last season. He was then third in the playoffs with 74 hits in 13 games.
Canucks forward Kiefer Sherwood currently leads the NHL with 87 hits in 14 games this season, but Joshua pledged to try and catch up, insisting the time off and delayed start to his season won’t affect the physicality and forechecking he became known for last season.
“You've got to get physically engaged early," Joshua said. "Kiefer does have quite a bit of a head start on me, but I'll see what I can do. I want to come back and make sure I'm on top of it right from the get-go and be ready to help the team win. … I expect to be good. I don't expect a grace period. I've been putting the work in, so I expect to come out there and make an impact as soon as possible.”
Seeing Joshua back after what he went through already is having an impact.
“We're just all really 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 of it back. Hopefully being around us is a good distraction for him and something to give him some positive energy.
"But mostly the feeling is just positive for him to be back after the last couple months he’s had. Been a tough time, so just trying to help him and support him any way we can.”
