How Dakota Joshua's Impending Return Creates An Intriguing Puzzle For The Canucks

While there is no official return date, it looks like Dakota Joshua is set to return to the Vancouver Canucks lineup sooner rather than later. The 28-year-old has been practicing with the team in a non-contact jersey, with a report from "Daily Faceoff's" Frank Seravalli indicating that Joshua could be back over the next two weeks. Joshua was diagnosed with testicular cancer during the offseason and is recovering from successful tumour removal surgery.

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Joshua's pending return creates an interesting problem for Head Coach Rick Tocchet. While there is little doubt that Joshua deserves to be in the lineup, the question remains which line he will play on. As Tocchet explains, not only do the Canucks need to find a spot for him in the roster, but also put him in a position that is beneficial to both the player and the lineup.

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"I think it's a good problem for me," said Tocchet. "You're trying to find a puzzle, but, you know, you get a guy like Dakota, and I got to get him in a good spot, wherever I put him. I think, for the most part, that'll work its way out. He brings a lot of those attributes that we really need on this team. Stuff on the wall, winning battles in front and then obviously, really good penalty killer."

Based on last season, the easy answer is to put Joshua back with Conor Garland and Teddy Blueger. The problem is that Garland and Blueger are both part of successful lines that have been instrumental in Vancouver's current three-game winning streak. Ultimately, the coaching staff needs to weigh many pros and cons, especially if Joshua is ready to go before the team heads to California for the road trip.

Related: Dakota Joshua Breaks Down How To Play An Effective Physical Game

While Tocchet is still sorting out how the lines should look, one thing he is excited about is the added physicality Joshua brings to the lineup. Combined with Kiefer Sherwood, who currently leads the NHL with 44 hits in six games, the Canucks could have two of the league leaders in hits among forwards by the end of the year. As Tocchet explains, having that relentless physical presence not only wears the opposition down but can create panic when Vancouver is forechecking.

"If you ask any defenseman when they go back for a breakout, they're looking over their shoulder when you see Sherwood or you see Dakota. Even Garland. He's not a hitter, but he comes up with loose pucks. When they're under pressure and guys are hitting, it's hard to break out. So that's just something that we're trying to add more to our personality."

Regardless of where Joshua plays, he is going to have a significant impact on the ice. In 2023-24, he demonstrated just how valuable he can be to the lineup and was consistently one of the Canucks best forwards throughout the season. In the end, while finding him a spot in the lineup may be complicated, it is a good problem for Vancouver's coaching staff to have.