For the second time in four days, the Vancouver Canucks traded a popular player for an underwhelming return.
Fans weren’t thrilled about Arturs Silovs fetching just a fourth-round pick in 2027 and a middling prospect in a trade on Sunday. Judging by the reaction on social media, they’re not happy seeing Dakota Joshua getting merely a fourth-rounder in return either. And that pick won’t be made until 2028.
“I’ll need a dislike button for this too,” said one fan on Instagram, reacting in the comments section on the Canucks’ official account.
“Never forgiving u guys for this,” said another, with over 1,500 users liking the comment.
“Can’t believe we lost him for a bag of chips,” another fan added.
Just bring back Mike Gillis.
— Julian Medd (@JMedd19) July 17, 2025
That seemed to be the prevailing feeling on Instagram and X, as fans had trouble coming to grips with the deal.
Not a popular move (@Canucks/Instagram)
Joshua was a popular player in three seasons with the Canucks. Fans really fell in love with the 6-foot-3 winger during the 2023-24 season, when he had great chemistry with Conor Garland on a potent third line, scoring 18 goals and 32 points. Joshua would have scored more had he not missed 18 games with a hand injury that he suffered in a fight to defend Garland.
In the playoffs, Joshua continued to deliver, scoring eight points (4-4-8) in 13 postseason games.
DAKOTA FREAKING JOSHUA
CANUCKS LEAD 🤯 pic.twitter.com/9KaOnrNddf
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 22, 2024
It earned Joshua a four-year contract from the Canucks, paying him $3.25 million per season. And really, that’s the reason for this trade.
The Canucks had too much money tied up in wingers, and need to upgrade at the centre position. This move also makes room for one of their prospects who impressed in Abbotsford to land a regular spot in the lineup.
But was Joshua the player to jettison? It all depends on your perspective.
Joshua didn’t have a good season in 2024-25, with just 14 points (7-7-14) in 57 games. He was largely excused for it, though, given that he overcame a cancer scare before training camp.
If you believe that was a blip, and that Joshua will return to the player everyone fell in love with in 2023-24, then you’ll hate this trade. Apart from goals and assists, he also brings physicality and penalty-killing prowess.
But if there’s a chance his contract ages poorly, then maybe they’re better off reallocating the $3.25-million savings.
The Canucks are expected to make another move, perhaps adding a centre, before next season starts in October.