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 was not able to participate in training camp, but the native of Dearborn, Michigan, has been around the Canucks throughout and has been practicing as a full participant the past two weeks.
“It's been a long time coming, and yeah, it'll be fun,” Joshua said Thursday. “It's just nice to be back in the room with the guys and get back to work.”
It was just the second time Joshua has spoken publicly since releasing a statement prior to 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 as he returns.
“For sure. That was a scary time,” he said. “But I'm very thankful and just happy to be in this position still and be able to go out there and play.”
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 will play on the fourth line against the Islanders and 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.”
