Young Penguins Defenseman Likely to Be Traded: Could the Canadiens Go After Pierre-Olivier Joseph?

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Aaron
September 18, 2023 (6:23)

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With a new management team in place, it's certain that the lineup of the Pittsburgh Penguins will change. The new GM, Kyle Dubas, will undoubtedly want to move in a new direction.

The former Leafs executive has already put his plan into action, and in no small way. He acquired defenseman Erik Karlsson in a mega three-team trade a few weeks ago. According to several analysts, he's not done reshaping his team and trades are expected sooner rather than later.

On this topic, The Athletic's journalist, Rob Rossi, mentioned in a recent article who among the Pens would be the candidate to leave the organization. The chosen player is the Québécois defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph.

"Going into camp, Joseph is listed on the third defensive pairing. At the start of his second full season, he will control his own fate in that he can secure his place by showing more consistency � something he lacked as he seemed to tire out towards the end of 2022-2023. It's still unknown how the new leadership views Joseph, but looking at the roster, he could emerge as the most viable asset that General Manager Kyle Dubas could use to make a necessary acquisition."

- Rob Rossi

It would be interesting to see him play for the Canadiens organization. However, it would be surprising to see him come to town. The abundance of young defensemen in the Montreal organization would make it even harder for Joseph (than in Pittsburgh) to earn a spot on the NHL team.

But one should never say never, as the rumors involving the Canadiens (CH) and the now 24-year-old defenseman are quite frequent. The good relationship between Dubas and Kent Hughes, who owes him one with the recent acquisition of Jeff Petry, could also come into play. Hughes might pull another rabbit out of his hat and finalize a trade that no one saw coming, releasing another defenseman in favor of Joseph.

If not with the Canadiens, Kyle Dubas will surely use the Québécois as bait in a larger trade to add a necessary piece for a potential playoff run. It will be interesting to see where the 23rd overall pick of the 2017 draft by the Arizona Coyotes ends up. If he is indeed traded, of course!

In 75 games last season, Joseph accumulated 5 goals and 16 assists for a total of 21 points. He has a career total of 26 points in 95 NHL games.

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