The Vancouver Canucks have made a significant move in the offseason by signing defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph to a one-year contract worth $775,000. Joseph, who had three assists in 47 games last season split between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the St. Louis Blues, brings added depth to Vancouver's blue line. He has also had a notable career, tallying eight goals and 32 assists in 194 NHL games, and was part of the Canadian team that claimed gold at the 2023 World Championships.

Meanwhile, center Pius Suter has departed the Canucks for the St. Louis Blues, signing a two-year, $8.25 million contract. Suter had a productive season in Vancouver, scoring 25 goals and providing 21 assists over 81 games last year. This free agency period has seen the Canucks re-sign several key players, including forward Brock Boeser and goalie Thatcher Demko, while also extending winger Conor Garland's contract.

The Vancouver Canucks have made a strategic move by signing defenceman Pierre-Olivier Joseph to a one-year deal valued at $775,000. Joseph, who had three assists across 47 games last season with the Pittsburgh Penguins and St. Louis Blues, brings valuable experience to the franchise. Standing tall at six-foot-two, Joseph's versatility on the ice allows him to play comfortably on both sides of the defense.

Having previously played for the Penguins and earning gold with Team Canada at the 2023 World Championships alongside Tyler Myers, Joseph's speed and mobility are expected to bolster the Canucks' defensive depth. General Manager Patrik Allvin expressed optimism about Joseph's potential contribution to the team's success. This signing not only enhances the Canucks' roster but also reflects their commitment to strengthening their defensive strategies as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Brad Marchand, the Boston Bruins' captain, is sidelined with an upper body injury, officially labeled as "week-to-week" by interim coach Joe Sacco. The injury occurred when Marchand collided with the boards after a hit from Pittsburgh's P.O. Joseph, raising concerns about a potential head injury due to his history with concussions. With Marchand contributing 47 points in 61 games this season, the Bruins face a significant void as they compete for a playoff spot, trailing the Detroit Red Wings by two points for the final wild card position.

In his absence, rookie Georgii Merkulov has been tasked with stepping into Marchand's role on the second line, with teammates Charlie Coyle and Elias Lindholm looking to rally and compensate for the loss. Coyle acknowledged the challenge, emphasizing that no single player can replicate Marchand's impact on the ice. The timing of this injury also complicates potential trade discussions surrounding Marchand as the NHL trade deadline approaches.

Dallas Stars' forward Roope Hintz is sidelined for the second straight game due to an upper-body injury. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Wild welcomed back defenseman Brock Faber after a four-game absence caused by an upper-body injury. Wild's forward Jakub Lauko has also returned from a lower-body injury.

In other injury news, New Jersey Devils forward Stefan Noesen resumed play after missing two games due to illness, while Filip Gustavsson of the Minnesota Wild missed a match because of illness as well.

On the injury front, Minnesota's Kirill Kaprizov was transferred from IR to LTIR and isn't on the road trip, but he is eligible to return soon. Wild head coach John Hynes noted Kaprizov's recovery has taken longer than expected but is on track.

The St. Louis Blues have traded defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph to the Pittsburgh Penguins, parting him from his brother Mathieu Joseph. This trade was executed just before the NHL's holiday roster freeze, allowing the Blues to create salary cap space.

Pierre-Olivier Joseph, who began his NHL career with the Penguins, has struggled this season with limited ice time and a minus-seven rating. The trade comes after the Blues acquired Mathieu Joseph, uniting the brothers temporarily.