Pierre-Olivier Joseph, often referred to as P.O. Joseph, is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman currently playing for the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League (NHL).
Born on July 1, 1999, in Laval, Quebec, he stands 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) tall and weighs 185 pounds (84 kg).
He shoots left and was selected 23rd overall by the Arizona Coyotes in the first round of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.
Joseph comes from an athletic family with Haitian and Quebecois roots, his father Frantzi played and coached hockey, while his mother France was a competitive athlete.
He has faced challenges including racial slurs during his youth but has built a reputation as a mobile, two-way defenceman known for his skating ability and puck-moving skills.
Siblings
Pierre-Olivier has an older brother, Mathieu Joseph, who is also a professional NHL player.
Born two years earlier, Mathieu is a forward who has played for teams including the Tampa Bay Lightning (with whom he won Stanley Cups), Ottawa Senators, St. Louis Blues, and currently the Los Angeles Kings.
Their parents have enjoyed watching both sons in the NHL, including memorable moments when the brothers played on the same team with the St. Louis Blues in 2024-25 and even combined for a goal.
Also Read: Evander Kane Siblings: Get to Know Brea and Kyla Kane
Career
Joseph began his junior career with the Charlottetown Islanders in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), where he developed into a top prospect.
After being drafted by the Coyotes, he continued in the QMJHL before turning pro.
He made his NHL debut with the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 2020-21 season after being acquired in a trade involving Phil Kessel.
With Pittsburgh, he split time between the NHL club and the AHL’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, gradually earning more consistent ice time.
His breakout came in the 2022-23 season with 21 points in 75 games.
He later had stints with the St. Louis Blues, where he briefly teamed up with his brother Mathieu, before signing a one-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks.
In the 2025-26 season with Vancouver, he has contributed from the back end while adapting to a new system.
Accolades
Joseph won a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2023 IIHF World Championship.
In junior hockey, he earned recognition as a strong two-way player and helped the Charlottetown Islanders reach competitive heights.
He has also been part of Stanley Cup-winning organizations indirectly through family ties and has steadily built an NHL resume exceeding 200 games, showcasing resilience and growth as a depth defenceman who can contribute offensively when called upon.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
