Vancouver Canucks Head Coach reveals potential return date for forward Dakota Joshua

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Tom Banks
November 13, 2024 (10:26 PM)

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Dakota Joshua has yet to step on the ice this season for the Vancouver Canucks, but now Rick Tocchet has given us his potential return date.

Despite some major absences, the Vancouver Canucks have managed another strong start to the season, posting an impressive 8-3-3 record through their first 14 games.

While there's no word yet on the returns of Brock Boeser or Thatcher Demko, the team has now got some fantastic news, announced by Head Coach Rick Tocchet on Wednesday.

According to the coach, Dakota Joshua's return is near, as the 28-year-old forward continues to ramp up in his recovery after being diagnosed with testicular cancer this past summer.

'Rick Tocchet on a Dakota Joshua return: He looked good today. Thursday could be a target date, but we'll see how he feels.' Randip Janda of Sportsnet said.

In recent days, Joshua has reportedly been seen wearing a full contact jersey at practice, and while there are no guarantees yet, at this point, it appears he could make his season debut on Thursday against the New York Islanders.

This past week, the talented forward was seen skating on the Canucks fourth line alongside Aatu Raty and Nils Hoglander, a fantastic sign that his return is very close indeed.

Last season with the Canucks, Joshua posted a career-high 18 goals and 32 points in 63 games played, and to have that type of production on the fourth line, it's no wonder that this team had so much success in 2023/24. Now however, they're looking to take it a few steps further and chase the Stanley Cup, and if Joshua can get back to 100% alongside two other talented forwards on the fourth line, expect this team to be going on a deep playoff run this year after falling just short a season ago.