VANCOUVER FORWARD DAKOTA JOSHUA PERSEVERES THROUGH CANCER, INJURY IN GRITTY 2024-25 SEASON
Vancouver Canucks forward Dakota Joshua’s 2024-25 NHL season stands as a profound testament to resilience, defined far more by off-ice battles and personal fortitude than by on-ice statistics.
The 29-year-old winger’s campaign began with a life-altering shock: a diagnosis of testicular cancer on the eve of training camp in September. The diagnosis forced immediate surgery and sidelined him for the start of the season, casting his entire playing future into doubt.
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Miraculously, Joshua defied expectations by returning to the lineup on November 10th against the New York Islanders, less than two months after his diagnosis. While his return itself was a victory, Joshua openly admitted he wasn’t the same player who electrified fans with 18 goals and impactful playoff performances the previous season.
Playing catch-up without the benefit of training camp, preseason, or the season’s first month proved a significant hurdle. His offensive touch was slow to return; he didn’t net his first goal until December 10th against St. Louis and managed just one tally through the end of January.
Just as Joshua began rediscovering his trademark physical edge, adversity struck again. An awkward collision with Nashville Predators captain Roman Josi on January 3rd resulted in a leg injury, forcing him out of the lineup for another 11 games. His season became a frustrating cycle of stops and starts, preventing him from ever finding sustained rhythm.
The cumulative toll was evident in the stat sheet: 7 goals and 7 assists in 57 games. Underlying metrics reflected the struggle, with the Canucks controlling only 45.5% of shot attempts and being outscored 27-18 during his 600 minutes of 5-on-5 play.
This production fell short of expectations for the first year of his four-year, $3.25 million annual contract.
Yet, Joshua’s value transcended points. Amidst the challenges, glimmers of his true self emerged later in the year. He stayed healthy for the final 33 games, recording 5 goals and 10 points during that stretch. More importantly, he formed an effective and promising third line alongside Aatu Räty and Kiefer Sherwood, offering hope for the future.
His relentless physical presence never wavered. Despite missing 25 games, Joshua finished second on the Canucks with 193 hits – a testament to his unwavering effort and grit.
Recognizing his extraordinary perseverance through immense personal and physical adversity, the Vancouver chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association named Joshua the Canucks’ nominee for the Bill Masterton Trophy.
The award honors the NHL player who best exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey – qualities Joshua embodied throughout his trying season.
“Without question, the 2024-25… season was a challenging one for Vancouver Canucks forward Dakota Joshua,” the season review noted, acknowledging the obvious reasons behind his statistical dip. The hockey community universally agrees: Joshua deserves grace for this past season.
The hope now rests on a full summer of training and restored health. With a new head coach (albeit familiar with his capabilities) in place, the expectation is that a refreshed and refocused Dakota Joshua will arrive at camp this fall determined to reassert himself as the impactful player he proved he can be.
Off the ice, Joshua provided a lighter moment for fans, teaming with Conor Garland for a memorable shift working the drive-thru at a local Tim Hortons in November, showcasing his enduring connection with the community.
