Vancouver Canucks forward Dakota Joshua won’t be available to open training camp, the club announced on Tuesday.
In a statement from Joshua personally, the club disclosed that the rugged Canucks winger — who opted to remain with the club on a four-year, $3 million AAV contract as an unrestricted free agent this summer — had a lump removed after being disclosed for testicular cancer.
A statement from Dakota Joshua: pic.twitter.com/7kaZV7Lw1Z
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) September 17, 2024
“The last several weeks have been extremely challenging,” Joshua said in the statement.
The statement also disclosed that while Joshua won’t be medically cleared when players report for testing on Wednesday as he heals from surgery, the 28 year old plans “on returning to play as soon as possible this season.”
Joshua produced at a 20-goal, 40-point pace for the Canucks last season and held down top-six minutes in the Stanley Cup playoffs. During his two seasons in Vancouver, he’s emerged as a breakout-wrecking forechecker and a plus contributor for the Canucks on the penalty kill.
His absence from the lineup will be sorely felt and could also impact the team’s plans to avoid utilizing long-term injured reserve, depending on the length of his absence.
Obviously the hockey and cap management side is secondary to Joshua’s recovery and health in this matter.
“I encourage men to get checked regularly for testicular cancer…” Joshua wrote. “I thank everyone for their support and understanding.”
(Photo: Patrick Smith / Getty Images)
