Struggling Vancouver Canucks Forward Has One Clear Message to Fans Who Feel Sorry for Him
Photo credit: Sportsnet
By all accounts, Canucks forward Dakota Joshua had plenty of reasons to take a step back this season. A cancer diagnosis over the summer, a significant surgery, and the heavy emotional toll that comes with it could have easily justified a slow and discouraging year.
Following a frustrating end to the Vancouver Canucks' 2024-25 campaign, Dakota Joshua faced the media on Friday, offering a candid blend of responsibility and disappointment in his remarks, saying that he can't wait to bounce back next season.
Here's what Joshua had to say when asked how he thought his season went...
«It was better down the stretch. That's when I felt my best, but overall, a disappointing season on my part.» -Joshua
Clarke Corsan from the Cancusk Army writes that after being diagnosed with testicular cancer, Joshua underwent surgery in September, causing him to miss training camp and the flow of the preseason. He returned to action on November 14th against the Islanders where he played just over 12 minutes on the fourth line. Still, rather than using his situation as an excuse, Joshua maintained high expectations for himself from the start.
«It came down to my play. It wasn't good enough. It was unfortunate that that [cancer] happened, but by no means a reason or excuse for my play.» -Joshua
Corsan also writes that though Joshua described his season as disappointing, it concluded on a meaningful note. He was playing his strongest hockey late in the year, building momentum heading into the offseason, all while quietly overcoming a personal struggle he never leaned on as an excuse.
"The thing with Joshua's game is, he's not just here to only score goals or play a specific role. He's here to crash, bang, score, lead, and make people notice his strong two-way game and forechecking ability. And by the back half of the season, people were noticing again." -Corsan
Joshua finished the season with 7 goals, 7 assists, and 193 hits over 57 games. His influence during the last 10 to 15 games looked much more like the form he showed in the 2023-24 season, which is encouraging heading into the offseason.
«I started to get it going late, just got to build off that and carry it into next season." -Joshua
Around the league, there's plenty of emphasis on «character players,» and Dakota Joshua fits that mold perfectly. With a full summer to train and stay healthy, he looks ready to return at full strength next season.
TRENDING NOW
