Penguins re-sign top prospect P.O Joseph to two-year, one-way contract

The Pittsburgh Penguins continue to do work ahead of what could ultimately become a historic and, for some, sad day in the franchise's history. 

Penguins general manager Ron Hextall confirmed via a Tuesday media release that the club has re-signed defenseman P.O Joseph to a two-year, one-way contract. The deal runs through the 2023-24 NHL season and holds an average annual value of $825,000.

As Seth Rorabaugh explained for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, the Penguins formally tendered a qualifying offer to retain Joseph's rights on Monday. Rorabaugh added that the 23-year-old is considered "the top prospect in the organization." 

Joseph spent the majority of the 2021-22 season with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League, where he tallied career-highs of 10 goals and 23 assists over 61 games. He appeared in just four NHL contests this past campaign and failed to record a point. 

In total, Joseph has played in 20 career NHL games with the Pens over the last two seasons. He's thus far notched one goal and four assists. 

The Penguins previously generated headlines by keeping goaltender Casey DeSmith, defenseman Kris Letang, forward Alex Nylander and forward Rickard Rakell around but could be on the verge of losing three-time Stanley Cup champion and two-time Art Ross Trophy winner Evgeni Malkin. Malkin is set to hit free agency on Wednesday and likely will sign elsewhere unless he offers Pittsburgh a hometown discount.