Vancouver Canucks add defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph on one-year contract worth $775,000

The Vancouver Canucks have kept up the rebuilding process on their roster by signing defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph to a one-year contract worth $775,000. The signing was announced by general manager Patrik Allvin on Wednesday. Joseph adds more depth and experience to the Canucks' blue line with proven NHL ability and success internationally. He played split last season between the Pittsburgh Penguins and St. Louis Blues.Pierre-Olivier Joseph played 47 NHL games last year, picking up three assists and spending an average of 15 minutes per game on the ice. He stands at 6-foot-2 and 185 pounds and is 26 years old, bringing size and agility that Canucks officials think will complement their existing defensive crew.“Pierre-Olivier has good speed and mobility and will add to our depth on the back end,” Allvin said in a release.“His addition gives us a player with some solid NHL and pro hockey experience, he is comfortable playing both sides, and he won a world championship with Tyler Myers in 2023. We look forward to getting him here to start working with our group.”Joseph's versatility makes him capable of playing in Vancouver or for the Abbotsford Canucks in the AHL when necessary. His arrival is forecasted to bring additional competition for roster spots coming into training camp.Originally drafted 23rd overall by the Arizona Coyotes in the 2017 NHL Draft, Joseph was traded to the Penguins in 2019 as part of a trade that saw Phil Kessel go to Arizona. In Pittsburgh, he became a steady depth defenseman before ultimately making his NHL debut for the team.Last year, Joseph signed with St. Louis to play together with his brother Mathieu, but he was traded back to Pittsburgh in December for future considerations. Altogether, he's appeared in 194 NHL games, scoring eight goals and 40 points.Joseph also gained international accolades when he assisted Team Canada in capturing gold at the 2023 IIHF World Championship, recording one goal and a plus-6 rating in 10 games.In the addition of Pierre-Olivier Joseph, the Canucks have gotten a reliable, adaptive defenseman who adds both NHL exposure and a winning background. His signing is likely to bolster the blue line as the Canucks look to improve the roster for next season.Also Read: K’Andre Miller signs $60 million deal, credits his mom for making his NHL dream possible