The Vancouver Canucks have signed defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph to a one-year contract worth $775,000. The announcement was made Wednesday by Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin.
Joseph, who turned 26 on July 1st, split the 2024-25 season between the St. Louis Blues and the Pittsburgh Penguins. In 47 total games, he recorded three assists while averaging around 15 minutes of ice time. He had two assists and 23 penalty minutes in 23 games for St. Louis and one assist and 22 penalty minutes in 24 games for Pittsburgh. Joseph also missed the final 20 games of the 2024-25 regular season due to injury. Before the injury, he registered 42 shots on goal, 36 blocked shots, and 36 hits.
Allvin highlighted Joseph's strengths in a team press release, noting his "good speed and mobility" and the depth he will bring to the Canucks' blue line. Allvin also pointed out Joseph's versatility, as he is "comfortable playing both sides," and his experience, including winning a World Championship with Tyler Myers in 2023.
Drafted 23rd overall by the Arizona Coyotes in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, Joseph's path to the NHL began with the AHL's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. He made his NHL debut with Pittsburgh in the 2020-21 season. Over 194 career NHL games, Joseph has recorded eight goals and 32 assists. Last summer, he signed as a free agent with the Blues before being traded back to the Penguins in December. Joseph also has international experience, winning a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2023 IIHF World Championship, where he played alongside current Canuck Tyler Myers. He contributed one goal and a plus-6 rating in 10 games during the tournament.
With the Canucks' defense projected to be a strong point for the 2025-26 season, Joseph will add to the team's depth. The Canucks' blue line includes Quinn Hughes, along with players like Marcus Pettersson and Victor Mancini.
The Canucks recently released their 2025-26 pre-season schedule, which includes six games against Pacific Division opponents. The pre-season will provide an opportunity for Joseph to integrate into the team and compete for a spot on the roster.
