Vancouver Canucks winger Dakota Joshua set for season debut after cancer treatment

Vancouver Canucks wingerDakotaJoshuais set to make his season debut Thursday after missing time for cancer treatment.

Head coach Rick Tocchet saysJoshuawill slot into the lineup Thursday when Vancouver (8-3-3) hosts the New York Islanders.

The 28-year-old from Dearborn, Mich., was diagnosed with testicular cancer this summer and underwent surgery in early September.

He spoke earlier this month about his recovery, saying it had been "very hard to go through" and that he was thankful for support from his friends, family, teammates and fans.

The cancer diagnosis followed a career season whereJoshuacontributed 18 goals and 14 assists across 63 regular-season games, then added four goals and four assists in the playoffs.

The six-foot-three, 206-poundJoshuasigned a four-year, $13-million US contract extension at the end of June.