In recent episodes of Halford and Brought, the hosts share a mood that is increasingly hard to ignore: If you want to win in the NHL playoffs, you need a power forward that is hard to compete with – some bring physical, offensive and mean streaks. For the Vancouver Canucks, the player may have been on the roster. His name is Dakota Joshua.
Watching Joshua and the Canucks time
Joshua is entering his fourth season in Canucks. In 2023-24, he scored 18 goals and 32 points in just 63 games. This season still reminds the type of body, two-way contributor he can be when he is healthy and fully engaged. Last season, his output dropped to seven goals and seven assists in 57 games.
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When evaluating his number, it is important to keep in mind two key factors. First, the 2024-25 season is turbulent for the Canucks. After a strong campaign a year ago, the team took a clear backlash, marked by internal divisions and inconsistencies. This chaos affects everyone’s output, including Joshua. Second, Joshua’s battle is much worse than anything on the ice: a cancer diagnosis. It took him time to return to the game shape and it was shown early in the season.
(Photography by Ethan Cairns/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Even so, given his adversity last season, Joshua’s perseverance and continued influence have expressed a lot about his character and resilience. In short, he is a goalkeeper. If he stays healthy, he might just be the kind of player in the Canucks (according to Halford and Brought) who needs to play solid playoff hockey.
Joshua’s bruises style is for the playoffs
Joshua’s rise in Vancouver is stable but undeniable. Back in the 2023-24 season, he became an integral part of the Canucks third line, taking on an impressive number in the bottom six-point role. He scored nearly 20 goals (as mentioned) in 63 games and scored an astonishing 245 hits. Every game he plays is important, and his mix of perseverance and offense makes him priceless in the kind of nervous, emotional game that defines the Stanley Cup playoffs.
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Joshua is 6-foot-3 and weighs 206 pounds. Not only does he wield his weight—he uses it skillfully, whether it’s fighting around the corner, screening goalkeepers or throwing clean, punishing hits. His hot total and ability to provide secondary scores are clear: Even in the regular season, Joshua plays playoff-style games.
If Vancouver wants to make the playoffs, then that’s exactly what Vancouver players need. He was punished, grinding his opponents, and bringing power transfer to the body game. He also has enough discipline to know when to walk and when to stomp the game – with a manageability fine of 35 minutes in those 34 games.
Joshua is a Pet Program for Coach Tocchet
Former Karnak head coach Rick Tocchet has developed a personal interest in Joshua’s development. Just like his players in Pittsburgh and Arizona, Tocchet has a trick to find more courage, and Joshua is suitable for this parody. Tocchet challenges him to do his best every night, and Joshua responds.
Tocchet sees Todd Bertuzzi’s shadow in Joshua. Maybe, it’s a stretch. But that doesn’t vary from Joshua’s potential. Just like Bertuzzi’s peak, Joshua’s scale and primitive skills could be an existence on both ends of the rink. During the 2023-24 period, he was given more responsibility in the game. You must believe that new head coach Adam Foote will provide Joshua with equal opportunities to show his potential. Can Joshua become a cornerstone deep player?
Joshua is a bigger story than hockey
Joshua’s influence is not limited to ice. As one of the few black players in the NHL, his presence has strong significance. In the interview, he spoke frankly about the adversity he faced, the influence of the mother of hockey, and his responsibility to inspire others. From the American Hockey League (USHL) and NCAA standout (at Ohio State) to the mid-level model of the NHL, his journey adds a layer of resilience and character that is easy to take root.
In the YouTube video above, Joshua reflects on the importance of representatives in hockey and his desire to be a role model. This way of thinking illustrates his type and his teammates’ type.
Bottom line: The Canucks may already have their guy
Each playoff contender needs a player who can tilt ice with a shift – a preview of the popular, timely goals, a tone setting. Joshua could be a Canucks player. He is a rare combination of physical edges, offensive rise and internal dynamics.
Related: Challenges without Joshua’s body and versatility
In a league that is increasingly valued at data and precision, there is still room and demand for players who bring hearts, heavy and hard-won swaggers. The Ganaks don’t need to be far. Joshua has proven that he belongs to this conversation.
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