Report: Canucks Dakota Joshua Could Make Season Debut Thursday

Dakota Joshua could be making his season debut sooner rather than later. After practice on Tuesday, Vancouver Canucks Head Coach Rick Tocchet revealed that Dakota Joshua could be an option Thursday when the Canucks take on the L.A. Kings. Joshua has been out since Training Camp as he recovers from offseason surgery to remove a cancerous tumour.

View the original article to see embedded media.

Now in his third year with the organization, Joshua has become a key fixture in the lineup. Last season, he set new career highs in goals with 18 and hits with 245. Joshua also developed tremendous chemistry with Conor Garland, helping to create what was arguably the best third line in the NHL during the 2023-24 season.

During the offseason, the Canucks rewarded Joshua for his strong play by signing him to a four-year contract worth $13 million. Not only was he impactful during the regular season, but also the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, recording eight points and 74 hits in 13 games. Joshua has also won the team's Unsung Hero award the last two years, which is voted on by the fans.

Latest From THN's Vancouver Canucks Site:

Canucks' Brock Boeser Deserves To Play For Team USA At The Four Nations Face-Off

Canucks Finding More Success On The Road To Start 2024-25

Canucks Prospects Bloom & Young Excelling This Season In The ECHL

As for where Joshua fits in the lineup, one place could be beside Garland and Elias Pettersson. With the chemistry Garland and Pettersson have formed, Joshua could slide in on the left wing and help balance out the top six. Once he does return, Joshua will have a significant impact on this lineup and should help Vancouver create one of the deepest forward groups in the line.