Apparently, the Vancouver Canucks aren’t cutting it short after trading Dakota Joshua to the Toronto Maple Leafs. As reports around the NHL indicate, one of the best free agents in the market could be on his way to join Elias Pettersson and company.
The Canucks are making a statement of intent in the NHL offseason. After missing out on the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the pressure has only mounted for the team to perform next season. Pettersson and the rest of the team know they’ll have the work cut out for them.
After yet another season went by and the Canucks remain Stanley Cup-less, fans in Vancity want to see growth out of the lineup. On that note, brand-new head coach Adam Foote will be under the scope all year long.
Now, as the Canucks adapt to their new roster without Joshua, who’s back in Toronto, the organization is actively searching for a replacement. On that note, reports indicate one of the most coveted free agents in the market is in talks to join Pettersson and the Canucks for the 2025-26 NHL season.
Jack Roslovic #96 of the Carolina Hurricanes warms up prior to the game against the Ottawa Senators at Lenovo Center on December 13, 2024 in Raleigh, North Carolina.
“For those asking, not sure where this goes but the Canucks continue to talk with unrestricted free agent Jack Roslovic’s camp,” The Athletic’s Rick Dhaliwal said on his X account.
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After trade from Canucks to Auston Matthews’ Maple Leafs, Dakota Joshua reveals why he chose to wear Phil Kessel’s number
Offer on the table
Apparently, Vancouver has shown much interest in the former Carolina Hurricanes forward, who will be entering his 10th NHL season in 2025. However, the 28-year-old centerman will continue to explore his options before committing to the franchise in British Columbia.
“Sounds like Roslovic’s camp is looking for a two or three-year deal at just over 3M per season,” EliteProspects’ Cam Robinson stated. “There are a few teams interested, but Vancouver seems to be the most consistent. My understanding is [Roslovic’s camp] have a couple options they’re considering though.”
Joshua will don Kessel’s number
The similarities between Dakota Joshua and Phil Kessel’s stories in the NHL were in plain sight, and the former has now chosen to deliver an ode to their journeys with his number choice in The Six.
Elias Pettersson #40 of the Vancouver Canucks during NHL action against the Calgary Flames on March, 19, 2022 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
As he recently revealed, Joshua will rock the No. 81 on his Leafs’ jersey, like he did in Vancouver. This time around, there’s an added reason. “I love the mojo there,” Joshua admitted, via The Toronto Sun. “I knew his story, and looking forward to playing a long time here like Kessel did.”
After prevailing in his battle against testicular cancer — like Kessel did — Joshua shared an emotional statement about his approach to his NHL career and, most importantly, to life.
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“For sure, it puts your life in perspective. The biggest takeaway is that anything can happen to you, so make the most of it. But after coming out the other side, I’m stronger as a person,” Joshua said. “It makes you confident you can get through anything.”
