NHL Team to Retire Number of Player Lost Too Soon

   

Vancouver Canucks forward Dakota Joshua will miss the start of training camp following a testicular cancer diagnosis. Joshua released a statement sharing the news and indicating he recently underwent surgery to remove a tumor.

Thankfully, the cancer appears to have been caught early. While Joshua will miss the beginning of camp, it sounds like the absence is related to his surgical recovery.

The hockey world received tragic news last October when Adam Johnson passed away following a skate blade incident during an Elite Ice Hockey League game. Johnson’s team, the Nottingham Panthers, will retire his number 47 on December 14, 2024.

Johnson, undrafted in the NHL, played 13 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins between 2018 and 2020. He later played overseas in Germany and the British Isles. Johnson’s death spurred calls for increased safety measures, and several leagues have since mandated neck guards.

The Dallas Stars have signed defenseman Esa Lindell to a contract extension. Drafted in the third round in 2012, Lindell has become a reliable presence on the blue line. Last season, he tallied five goals and 26 points in 82 games, adding another five points in 19 playoff games.

The Buffalo Sabres have re-signed forward Peyton Krebs to a two-year, $2.9 million contract. Originally a first-round pick by the Vegas Golden Knights, Krebs arrived in Buffalo as part of the Jack Eichel trade. Last season, the 23-year-old recorded four goals and 17 points in 80 games.

The Washington Capitals are joining the growing trend of NHL teams bringing back retro jerseys. For six home games this season, the Capitals will sport the popular screaming eagle jerseys. The dates fans can catch the retro look are November 6 and 29, December 31, January 18, February 1, and April 13.