Vancouver Canucks Forward Dakota Joshua Diagnosed With Testicular Cancer, Will Miss Training Camp

Vancouver Canucks forward Dakota Joshua announced on Tuesday that he was diagnosed with testicular cancer this summer and underwent surgery to remove a tumor.

Joshua, 28, said he was continuing to recover from surgery but intended to play in the 2024-25 season.

“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. “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] re-join my teammates

Joshua hails from Michigan and entered the NHL in the 2020-21 season with the St. Louis Blues. He played parts of two seasons with the Blues before signing with Vancouver as a free agent and earning a larger role there.

Joshua's Impact on the Canucks

In 63 games last season, Joshua had 18 goals and 14 assists for 32 points, all career highs. He has totaled 64 points (33 goals, 31 assists), 567 hits and 143 penalty minutes in 184 career games with the Blues and Canucks.

Joshua, who spent part of the COVID-shortened 2020-21 season with the Utica Comets--while a prospect in the St. Louis Blues organization--announced on Tuesday that he will miss the start of training camp, as he recovers from surgery to remove a tumor after being diagnosed with Testicular Cancer over the summer.

Joshua said that he is fortunate to have gotten checked early after noticing a lump, and urges all men to get regularly screened in order to reduce the risk or severity of a Testicular Cancer diagnosis. He plans on returning to action as soon as possible.

Joshua's Message to Men

“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,” Joshua 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.”

The Canucks are set to have their first game of the 2024-25 seasons at home against the Calgary Flames on October 9.

The Canucks' Perspective

General manager Patrik Allvin addressed Joshua’s health update in a press conference on Wednesday, September 18, but did not provide a timeline for his return, per North Shore News. Allvin cited concerns for Joshua’s privacy as the reason behind his decision to not reveal details on the player’s plans to return to the ice.

Joshua was picked by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the fifth round of the 2014 NHL draft. Five years later, he was traded to the St. Louis Blues. He was signed to the Canucks as a free agent in July 2022.

Joshua had an NHL career-high 32 points (18 goals, 14 assists) in 63-regular season games in 2023-24, per the NHL. He also had eight points (four goals, four assists) in 13 Stanley Cup Playoff games. In 2022, he signed a four-year, $13 million contract.

The Canucks have not yet commented on a timeline for Joshua's return, but the team will undoubtedly provide updates as he progresses through his recovery. Joshua's diagnosis and recovery will be closely watched by fans and the hockey community as he focuses on his health.