On July 2, 2025, Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin and president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford—who previously earned his stripes in Pittsburgh—officially announced the addition of defenseman Pierre‑Olivier Joseph to their roster. Joseph, a versatile left-shot defenseman, signed a one-year deal worth US $775,000, designed to deepen the Canucks’ blue line and provide valuable NHL experience among their defensive ranks.
Originally drafted 23rd overall by the Arizona Coyotes in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, Joseph hails from Laval, Quebec. Standing 6′2″ and weighing 185 pounds, he combines size, mobility, and hockey IQ—a trio of traits highly valued in today’s game. The contract also features a modest cap hit of U.S. $775K, positioning it as a low-risk acquisition to evaluate his fit at the NHL level .
Joseph’s journey in the NHL has been one of constant evolution. He spent his first four seasons within the Pittsburgh Penguins organization (2020–24), where he appeared in 194 games, posting 8 goals and 32 assists, alongside solid defensive contributions. In summer 2024, he moved to the St. Louis Blues—joining his brother Mathieu—on a one-year contract worth $950,000, before being flipped back to Pittsburgh in December 2024 for future considerations.
Across the 2024–25 season, Joseph played 47 games between St. Louis and Pittsburgh, collecting 3 assists, 45 penalty minutes, 36 hits, and 36 blocked shots, and logging around 15:16 of ice time per game. His performance included postseason-level defensive play and respectable underlying metrics like a 53.5% Corsi and 50.7% expected goals share—though Pittsburgh’s goaltending dampened his on-ice plus/minus.
Internationally, Joseph has represented Canada, winning gold at the 2023 IIHF World Championships. He averaged nearly 20 minutes per game, showcasing his ability to compete against top-tier competition. Scouts and management teams consistently highlight his high hockey IQ, swift mobility, offensive instincts, and strong positioning instincts .
Vancouver’s front office—knowing they needed to reinforce their lean defense—viewed Joseph as an ideal depth piece. Allvin noted that “Pierre‑Olivier has good speed and mobility and will add to our depth on the back end,” calling attention to both his experience and versatility. In fact, Joseph joins a growing cadre of former Penguin players in Vancouver, including Marcus Pettersson, Teddy Blueger, and Drew O’Connor, reflecting Rutherford’s blueprint of building a roster blending familiarity and upside.
Analysts regard the deal as well-suited to the Canucks’ needs: a budget-friendly solution for defensive depth and injury insurance. At minimum salary, Joseph may accept a seventh-defenseman role. He will compete for bottom-pairing minutes with high-end prospects, and may even see an AHL stint with their affiliate Abbotsford Canucks if required. Should he shine in training camp, the team feels confident that he could outplay veterans like Derek Forbort or Derek Hold, potentially eclipsing them for a more stable role.
Public reaction reflected a prudent mindset. On Reddit, some Pittsburgh Penguins fans—while lamenting his departure—praised his work ethic:
“Im pretty sure the contract he is on now is less than what Dubas would have had to qualify him for.”
Canucks fans, meanwhile, celebrated see fit, recalling his clever, mobile defense:
“He’s also a former member of the Pittsburgh Penguins.”
They also noted his potential to uplift Vancouver’s depth without overcommitting cap space.
In summary:
- Player: Pierre‑Olivier Joseph, left-shot defenseman, 6′2″, 185 lbs, former first-round pick.
- Contract: One-year, US $775,000, league minimum—signed July 2, 2025
- NHL Journey: Developed with Penguins (2020–24), brief stint in St. Louis, before returning to Pittsburgh in Dec 2024 .
- 2024–25 Stats: 47 games, 3 assists, solid defensive engagement (PIM, hits, blocks, ice time).
- Skillset: High hockey IQ, quick footwork, puck-moving ability, international and playoff experience .
- Fit: Depth addition; potential seventh defenceman or waiver bait; opportunity to earn bigger role.
This signing underscores Vancouver’s strategy of smart, cost-effective roster building—leveraging known assets to bolster stability and depth on the blue line, all while giving Joseph a fresh platform to prove his NHL mettle.
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