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What happened to Dakota Joshua? Canucks forward comes clean on cancer diagnosis
The Vancouver Canucks will be without a key member of their lineup as they gather for training camp later this week in Penticton, British Columbia. Forward Dakota Joshua has revealed that after discovering a lump on his testicle this summer, doctors diagnosed him with testicular cancer.
In a lengthy statement, Joshua announced that he underwent successful surgery to remove the cancerous tumor and that he'll be unavailable for the start of training camp as he continues his recovery. No official timetable for a return has been given.
"This summer, I felt a lump on one of my testicles that doctors would later diagnose as testicular cancer,” Joshua said in a statement released by the Canucks on Tuesday. “This news was obviously scary to hear, but thankfully, doctors were able to successfully remove the tumor. The last several weeks have been extremely challenging and I've been fortunate to have the support of my family, friends, teammates and doctors."
"Unfortunately, I will not be ready for the start of training camp as I continue to heal from surgery. I plan on returning to play as soon as possible this season and I am working hard every day (to) rejoin my teammates."
Joshua then encouraged men everywhere to check themselves for any irregularities in order to be able to catch a potential problem in time as he did.
“Although it was very difficult to face the reality of this specific type of cancer, getting checked by a doctor quickly was the best approach and I encourage men to get checked regularly for testicular cancer,” he said. "As I continue with my recovery, I thank everyone in advance for respecting my privacy concerning this matter. The team will provide updates as appropriate. In the meantime, I thank everyone for their support and understanding."
Dakota Joshua recently re-signed with the Canucks
Joshua, a native of Dearborn, Michigan, was originally selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs with the 128th overall pick in the 2014 NHL Draft while he was playing for the Sioux Falls Stampede of the USHL.
He would later play collegiately with Ohio State University, though he ultimately never played for the Leafs. In exchange for future considerations, his rights were traded to the St. Louis Blues in July of 2019. While with the Blues, Joshua would score four goals in 43 games over two seasons.
He then arrived with the Canucks in 2022, agreeing to a two-year, $1.65 million deal. He'd score 11 goals with 12 assists in 79 games played in his first year with Vancouver before registering a career-best 18 goals with 14 assists in 2023-24.
Canucks management rewarded his efforts with a new $13 million contract over four seasons earlier this offseason in June.
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