Joshua's 231 hits this season are the second-most by a forward in Canucks history.
With four games remaining, Dakota Joshua is closing in on a Vancouver Canucks single-season record. Despite missing 19 games this year, Joshua has thrown 231 hits, ranking ninth in the NHL. Joshua's 231 hits are also the second most by a forward in a season by a Canucks player, trailing only Maxim Lapierre, who, in 2011-12, recorded a franchise-high 244.
Joshua currently trails Lapierre by 13 but should have no problem setting the recorded if he plays in all four remaining games. In his last four games alone, he has 26 hits as Joshua ramps up his physical play ahead of the playoffs. While Luke Schenn's franchise record of 273 is most likely safe for another year, Joshua is on track to join Schenn as the only two players in franchise history to surpass 250 hits in a single season.
When it comes to Joshua, one of the impressive parts of his return to the lineup has been his physical play. When players miss significant time with injuries, it could deter them from playing a physical style to avoid re-injuring themselves. For Joshua, that hasn't been a deterrent, as he has at least three hits since returning to play while surpassing the six-hit mark in four of the six games.
Overall, Joshua has had a significant impact on this lineup. Whether it is his ability to produce offensively or willingness to play a physical brand of hockey, he has helped Vancouver to one of their best regular seasons in franchise history. He is a player the Canucks need to prioritize signing this offseason; his game will be crucial to Vancouver's success in the playoffs.
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.
