Vancouver Canucks announce roster transaction signaling the return of Dakota Joshua to the lineup

The Vancouver Canucks' six-game homestand continues on Thursday night as they welcome former captain Bo Horvat and the New York Islanders to Rogers Arena for their lone trip to British Columbia this season.

As was hinted by Rick Tocchet the other day, it appears that we may get to see the 2024-25 season debut of forward Dakota Joshua tonight.

In a social media post on Thursday morning, the Vancouver Canucks announced that they've called up Jonathan Lekkerimaki and Aatu Raty from Abbotsford in the American Hockey League. The move comes 24 hours after they assigned Lekkerimaki, Raty, as well as Arshdeep Bains to the AHL.

With only two of the three players that were sent down yesterday being brought back up in time for tonight's game against the Islanders, it likely means that Dakota Joshua is ready to return to the lineup, as mentioned by Rick Dhaliwal of Donnie & Dhali.

Joshua, 28, has yet to play this season after he announced before training camp that he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. The Dearborn, Michigan native has been ramping up his on-ice activities in recent weeks and will be a big boost to the Canucks' third line, if that's where Rick Tocchet decides to slot him in.

The third line was one of the Canucks' more consistent trios last season, consisting of the aforementioned Dakota Joshua, along with Teddy Blueger and Conor Garland. Vancouver Canucks fans are hoping to see that line reunited at some point this season.

Puck drop for tonight's game against the New York Islanders is set for 7 pm PT on Sportsnet Pacific. Stay tuned to Canucks Daily for lineup news and notes later today.