Canucks' Dakota Joshua underwent surgery to remove cancerous tumor

The top concern will be Joshua’s health, but a strong lineup role could await him when he returns. He clawed his way up Vancouver’s depth chart last season, scoring a career-high 18 goals and 32 points in 63 games — an 82-game pace of 42 points. He made an even bigger impact in the postseason, adding eight points and 74 hits in 13 games. Joshua became the go-to option when Vancouver’s stars weren’t on the ice. The Canucks put a price to their faith in him this summer, signing Joshua to a four-year, $13M extension.

Joshua was selected by Toronto in the fifth round of the 2014 NHL Draft. He’d go onto serve a key role with the 2015 USHL Clark Cup-winning Sioux Falls Stampede, before a full four-year career at Ohio State. By the time he had graduated, much of Toronto’s front office had been overturned, leading the Leafs to deal Joshua to the St. Louis Blues for future considerations in 2019. He made his NHL debut one year later, fighting into 12 games on St. Louis’ fourth line. It wasn’t until his breakout year last season that Joshua finally earned a taste of top-nine minutes. He’ll look to continue in that role next season, finally planting his feet a the top level after a long path to the NHL.