The Vancouver Canucks have signed free agent defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph to a one-year contract worth $775,000. Joseph spent most of his NHL career with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Notably, Canucks GM Patrick Albin and hockey business president Jim Rutherford previously worked with the Penguins.
“Allvin mentioned today that Joseph brings good speed, mobility, and adds valuable depth to the defense. His experience in the NHL and professional hockey is significant, having comfortably played on both defensive sides and winning the 2023 World Championships alongside Tyler Myers,” a statement said.
Joseph was originally drafted 23rd overall in 2017 by the Arizona Coyotes but never played for them. Instead, he debuted in the NHL with the Penguins after a trade, playing his first game on January 22, 2021, where he contributed an assist and three shots on goal.
Recent updates from The Hockey News’ Vancouver Canucks coverage include Brock Boeser discussing his seven-year extension with Vancouver, Conner Garland on re-signing with the team, and a summary of the Canucks prospects’ second day at development camp.
Over five NHL seasons, Joseph has played 194 games, accumulating eight goals and 32 assists. In the 2024-25 season, he split time between the St. Louis Blues and the Penguins, tallying assists with both teams. While playing for St. Louis, Joseph got to team up with his brother Matthew, a two-time Stanley Cup champion with Tampa Bay Lightning (2020, 2021).
[Image: Pierre-Olivier Joseph handling the puck for the Penguins during a game against the Flyers, December 23, 2024.]
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Fan Take: This signing brings an experienced and mobile defenseman to the Canucks, addressing a key area for the team’s blue line. Fans should be excited as Joseph’s NHL experience and championship pedigree could help Vancouver strengthen its defense and compete at a higher level this season.
