Who is the best player in Penguins' history to wear #73?

The Pittsburgh Penguins' organizational history has a plethora of great players, and we've decided to go through the best Penguins' players to wear each jersey number. Today, we continue the list by naming the best #73 in Penguins' history.

Only two players in franchise history have worn #73. One was Jack Johnson - who is, divisive, to say the least - and he only wore it for a brief time.

So that leaves one. The best #73 in Penguins history is Pierre-Olivier Joseph.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3semwleFS0[/embed]

P.O Joseph was drafted 23rd overall in 2017 by the Arizona Coyotes. He was brought to Pittsburgh as part of the deal that sent Phil Kessel to Arizona in the summer of 2019.

A prospect then, Joseph debuted with the Penguins during the shortened 2020-21 season. He registered one goal and five points in 16 games in his rookie season, and for another season, he was up and down between Pittsburgh and the AHL.

His best season was his first full season in 2022-23, when he recorded five goals and 21 points across 75 games - including a two-goal, three-point game against Anaheim on Feb. 10, 2023.

There was another memorable moment that season when P.O and brother Mathieu committed high-sticking penalties against one another on the same play (well, they were called for high-sticking penalties on the same play, and their parents shared a viral reaction:

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6awOWwtr4xw[/embed]

Joseph - who was touted as an offensive defensemen - had several tools in his toolbox, including his skating and ability to join the rush.

He also used his pretty wicked wrist shot to his advantage a few times during his tenure in Pittsburgh:

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8tPmOYkn7M[/embed]

Following the 2023-24 season, Pittsburgh let Joseph walk in free agency, and he was signed by the St. Louis Blues - where he now plays with Mathieu.

Over the course of his Penguins career, Joseph registered eight goals and 37 points in 147 regular season games.