From Bob, Barclay and Invoice Plager to Brian, Wealthy and Ron Sutter, the St. Louis Blues are not any strangers to having brothers on their roster.
In July, they added one other household tree to their franchise historical past, making a commerce with the Ottawa Senators for ahead Mathieu Joseph, 27, after which signing free-agent defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph, 25, his brother.
As with all siblings, they’ve nice reverence for each other, however there’s additionally the anticipated rivalry.
Loads of examples of each popped up when the Joseph brothers sat down with The Athletic for an hour-long Zoom name just lately.
You’ll be taught much more about them, together with which numbers they’ll be sporting this season and why. And also you’ll additionally choose up on the very fact they’ll hardly include their pleasure about this chance.
So sit again and luxuriate in our chat with the latest Blues brothers!
Word: The dialog has been edited calmly for size and readability.
Jeremy: It’s very nice to satisfy you guys! Thanks for doing this! So the place are you? What metropolis? Whose home?
Mathieu: We’re in Brossard (Quebec, Canada). We’ve lived collectively in the summertime for about three years now, and we’ve loved it.
Pierre-Olivier: Prior to now, we’d solely see one another for 3 months the entire 12 months in the summertime, so we had been like, “We would as properly keep collectively.” However now, I really feel like we’re going to get our personal locations if we’re going to see one another on a regular basis, haha!
Jeremy: I used to be going to ask about that. What are your residing preparations going to be like in St. Louis?
Pierre-Olivier: We’re going to dwell collectively. We’ve talked to some guys about renting their home. I performed with Chad Ruhwedel in Pittsburgh and his spouse is from St. Louis, so that they have a home there, however Kasperi Kapanen resides there now. So no luck to date, however we’ll preserve trying.
Jeremy: What have you ever heard about St. Louis?
Mathieu: I performed with Brady Tkachuk in Ottawa and we really went to his place in St. Louis for dinner final 12 months, so I obtained to see slightly little bit of the world. Brady loves going again when he can, and truthfully, each man we’ve been speaking to with the Blues loves taking part in there. I keep in mind my first sport in St. Louis. I used to be impressed with the tune the group sings within the third interval …
Jeremy: Nation Roads?
Mathieu: Yeah, that’s it! I believed that was fairly cool the primary time I noticed it. I can inform the followers love their group, love the group and love town, so I’m undoubtedly excited to be a part of the neighborhood.
Jeremy: OK, Pierre … ought to I name you Pierre?
Mathieu: By no means! Haha! It’s simply P.O.
Pierre-Olivier: Really, I obtained to the purpose the place I don’t even care anymore.
Jeremy: Nicely P.O., inform me one thing good about residing together with your brother and one thing annoying.
Pierre-Olivier: The place do I begin on the final one? No, it’s been good. He’s somebody that I’ve been trying as much as for therefore lengthy. We work out collectively, we’re on the ice collectively, we’re on the golf course collectively. Every part we do is just about collectively. So it’s probably not residing with my brother, it’s residing with my finest buddy. He is aware of me by coronary heart. He is aware of when to offer me some motivation, and he is aware of when to offer me some house.
Mathieu: I do get annoying, although. I discuss an excessive amount of, so typically I’ll say one thing and he doesn’t need to discuss. I’ll simply give him a face like “I get it.” However no, it’s been really easy. We don’t get on one another’s nerves fairly often and we share accountability very properly in the home. He’s an ideal prepare dinner!
Jeremy: P.O., what do you prepare dinner?
Pierre-Olivier: Something and every thing. Truthfully, it simply relies on what now we have within the fridge. My crepes are one thing that I often prepare dinner for us on Sunday. I do barbecue. Really, Matt’s been fairly good this summer time serving to out on the barbecue aspect of the sport.
Mathieu: I’ve been studying barbecue this 12 months …
Pierre-Olivier: It’s good to not be the one one cooking.
Jeremy: So rising up, did you guys ever play on the identical group, and did you ever dream about taking part in on the identical NHL group someday?
Pierre-Olivier: Again then, taking part in on the identical group at any stage wasn’t potential due to our ages. So yearly, it was simply making an attempt to get to the following stage.
Mathieu: I keep in mind being mad one 12 months in junior hockey. I used to be taking part in with the Saint John Sea Canines within the Quebec Main Junior Hockey League. That was P.O.’s junior hockey draft 12 months, and he was projected to go within the second or third spherical. He wasn’t taken within the second spherical, so when the third spherical rolled round, I’m like, “Saint John goes to choose him up and we’re going to play collectively.” However Saint John picked another person, after which within the fifth spherical, he obtained picked by Charlottetown. I used to be tremendous completely satisfied for him, however I keep in mind being upset that Saint John didn’t draft him. That was the primary time the place I believed possibly we had an opportunity to play with each other. However then once we each obtained drafted within the NHL, we had been like, “Wow, that may be cool if we may discover a place that we may play collectively.”
Pierre-Olivier: We had been even fascinated with the potential for it occurring on the finish of our careers in Europe, once we’re 37, 38 years outdated, haha!
Jeremy: So Mathieu obtained drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning within the fourth spherical of the 2015 NHL Draft, after which received a Stanley Cup in 2021. P.O., what was it like watching that?
Pierre-Olivier: Yeah, it was slightly little bit of a s— present due to COVID. We had been quarantining in Montreal and the following factor you recognize Mathieu goes into the Stanley Cup Ultimate in opposition to Montreal. Tampa was up three video games to 1 and headed again residence for Sport 5, and our dad and mom couldn’t go due to work. They requested me if I wished to go and I stated, “Yeah!” However I keep in mind there was a tropical storm in Tampa and flights had been getting canceled. The one one accessible was from Montreal to L.A., then L.A. to Orlando (Fla.), after which drive 2 ½ hours to Tampa. I left at 6:30 p.m. and I obtained to Matt’s place at 10 a.m. the following day. I slept all day lengthy, however then I had the possibility to see him win the Cup. I had the chills, and that was a life reminiscence that’s by no means going away. However on the identical time, I used to be mad at him that he received it proper in my face.
Mathieu: Hopefully we win it collectively someday!
That is fairly superior. 💙
Mathieu and Pierre-Olivier Joseph at the moment are each members of the @StLouisBlues! pic.twitter.com/gGCsNRPcIj
— NHL (@NHL) July 3, 2024
Jeremy: So Mathieu, P.O. obtained drafted by the Arizona Coyotes within the first spherical of the 2017 NHL Draft after which traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2019 within the Phil Kessel deal. How a lot have you ever been pulling for him?
Mathieu: I used to be in all probability extra completely satisfied that he obtained drafted than once I obtained drafted. When he obtained to the NHL, I used to be making an attempt to assist him out with some issues. With me being a ahead and him being a defenseman, it was simple to speak about our sport as a result of what a ahead sees and what a defenseman sees are completely different views.
Pierre-Olivier: We obtained the NHL app a number of years in the past and we watch one another’s video games once we can. However typically with the app, the state you’re in doesn’t assist you to watch his sport …
Mathieu: Or we’d be taking part in on the identical time. I suppose it’ll be simpler to look at his video games this 12 months, ha! However no, it’s been enjoyable to observe one another’s careers. I’ve had some ups and downs that he’s helped me with, and I’ve helped him, too.
Jeremy: What’s one thing particular that you simply helped one another with throughout your profession?
Mathieu: For me, the toughest a part of the NHL is that it’s such a routine. It’s the identical day each day. So if it’s not going properly, it’s the identical day that’s not going properly. We each are guys that don’t actually take life too severely. We’re right here to have enjoyable, however typically I get away from that. I’ve had some downs that I felt like I couldn’t get out of and P.O. at all times has the suitable phrases. I at all times say he’s a extremely good therapist as a result of all our buddies ask him for recommendation as a result of he’s such a great listener.
Pierre-Olivier: For me, typically I’m too careless in what I do, and he is aware of what I’m succesful (of). He’s at all times there to remind me and push me. It is likely to be lifting slightly bit two kilos heavier within the health club that pushes me to be a extra aggressive individual. That’s one thing I’ve realized rather a lot from him.
Mathieu: I’ve obtained to say, too, he’s a really beneficiant man and thinks about lots of people earlier than him. On this league, you need to be a great teammate and really feel such as you’re household. However selfishly, you additionally must assume slightly bit about your self — how I carry out and the way I have to be higher. Typically P.O. forgets about that half, being too unselfish. I inform him, “You’ve obtained to shoot the puck.” Like I stated, you don’t need to hassle different teammates.
Pierre-Olivier: However on the identical time, it bothers those who I’m not being extra egocentric.
Mathieu: Precisely! So typically I’ve to remind him, “I do know you’re a great man, however you’ve obtained to consider how you need to play properly.” That’s going to construct confidence and assist every thing else.
Jeremy: So the place and when was the primary NHL sport that you simply performed in opposition to one another?
Mathieu: It was in Pittsburgh final 12 months.
Pierre-Olivier: As soon as the sport began, it was Pittsburgh in opposition to Ottawa and never us in opposition to one another. However I may always hear him speaking and speaking …
Mathieu: He didn’t reply me as soon as …
Pierre-Olivier: As a result of I understand how he’s. He’s simply making an attempt to get into my head. Enjoying tennis again once we had been 12 years outdated, it was the identical factor — simply yapping.
Jeremy: Inform me in regards to the high-sticking penalty in that sport. P.O., you hit Mathieu together with your stick, however you additionally obtained your self, and also you each went to the penalty field. What occurred?
Pierre-Olivier: I noticed him coming, however once I tried to get out of the best way, I hit him within the face after which hit myself. We rotated and the referee noticed each of us with our arms in our face. I used to be bleeding, however I didn’t need the ref to see that as a result of then they might have reviewed it and they’d have taken away the penalty on Mathieu. Once I went into the penalty field, my towel was utterly filled with blood, however I needed to disguise it. He was slightly mad.
Mathieu: It was so humorous!
Jeremy: The response of your dad and mom (Frantzi and France Joseph), who had been on the sport, was priceless. What did you assume if you noticed the video?
Pierre-Olivier: It was humorous. The digital camera was completely on them on the proper second and it confirmed their persona. They comprehend it’s a part of the sport, so so long as we’re not dropping the gloves, they understand how aggressive we’re.
Nothing like mother and pa watching on because the Joseph brothers take excessive sticking penalties in opposition to one another. 😂 pic.twitter.com/UVyqWEjNDU
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 21, 2023
Jeremy: What’s it been like in your dad and mom to look at you undergo this journey collectively?
Mathieu: It’s been fairly cool. They get requested on a regular basis, “Do you know your two youngsters had been going to play within the NHL?” No, they simply wished us to work as exhausting as we may.
Pierre-Olivier: I keep in mind they sat us down one time and stated, “In case you guys are going to play at a aggressive stage, we’re prepared that will help you, however are you able to do it for yourselves?”
Mathieu: They stated, “We’re not going to push you guys to do it. However in case you’re giving us 50 p.c, then we’re not going to try this. We’re not going to spend that a lot cash on it. You’re losing time, and we wish so that you can do one thing else.” I keep in mind my mother asking P.O. when he obtained drafted to the NHL, “Do you continue to like hockey?” I’m like, “He simply obtained drafted twenty third general!”
Pierre-Olivier: I’m like, “Yeah, I’m fairly certain I prefer it.”
Jeremy: So Mathieu, you had been traded to the Blues on July 2, after which P.O. signed with the group on July 3. How did all of this go down behind the scenes?
Pierre-Olivier: I began speaking to completely different groups on July 1 and St. Louis was one among them. Then on July 2, we had been sitting on the sofa watching tennis on TV and Matt obtained a textual content from Ottawa telling him to name them.
Mathieu: I knew I used to be getting traded means earlier than then, although.
Pierre-Olivier: However he didn’t comprehend it was going to be St. Louis. So he’s obtained the cellphone on speaker and so they inform him it’s the Blues. Nicely, he knew I used to be speaking to St. Louis, too, so he gave me slightly wink. So I talked to my agent and instructed him that it will be particular taking part in with Mathieu and no matter supply was on the desk from the Blues, I might simply take it. My agent requested me about pushing it slightly bit, however I instructed him that the possibility I had was not going to occur typically. So in a matter of 30 seconds, I used to be with Pittsburgh and he was with Ottawa, and the following factor you recognize we’re each in St. Louis.
Mathieu: We gave one another a giant hug! Then we referred to as our dad and mom and stated, “Sit down collectively, we’ve obtained one thing to let you know!” My dad was tremendous completely satisfied, and my mother had slightly little bit of tears, realizing they received’t have two reverse jerseys now.
Jeremy: So what was that like, Mathieu, realizing that P.O. picked the Blues to make it occur?
Mathieu: To even know there was a risk, I used to be so excited. I used to be pinching myself, like, “Oh my gosh, that is really occurring.”
Pierre-Olivier: Final week, the Blues despatched us some new gear. We had two practices that day, and it was cool once we put each of our luggage within the trunk and so they had been each “St. Louis Blues.” We love the colours already, and it’s enjoyable to see Mathieu in the identical emblem as me.
The Blues have signed Pierre-Olivier Joseph to a one-year contract. #stlblues
DETAILS ➡️ https://t.co/DD5z20juMC pic.twitter.com/rR6cGA41tK
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) July 3, 2024
Mathieu: Nobody is aware of but, however we’ve really picked our numbers.
Jeremy: Can we break some information right here?
Mathieu: After all! Our household quantity is No. 7 as a result of our dad wore No. 7 his total life. So I picked 71.
Pierre-Olivier: I went with the double seven, No. 77.
Jeremy: Good! Once you get your final title stitched on the again of each jerseys, are you going to get “Joseph” or your first preliminary and Joseph?
Mathieu: That’s a great query! He’s saying, “Are you going to have M. Joseph and P.O. Joseph?” When there’s two names which might be the identical on the group, you may have the choice. Just like the Sedins wore “H. Sedin” and “D. Sedin.”
Pierre-Olivier: That’s true! I didn’t even take into consideration that.
(Editor’s be aware: After this interview, the Blues introduced that the brothers will each put on simply “Joseph” on their jerseys this season.
Jeremy: OK, I need to inform Blues followers what sort of gamers they’re getting in you guys. P.O., inform me about Mathieu, and vice versa.
Pierre-Olivier: They’re getting a quick skater, a aggressive participant, a man who likes to play defensively, however I do know he’s gifted sufficient to place factors on the board. However primarily a man, they’re getting somebody who performs with ardour and performs for his teammates. He has plenty of character and that undoubtedly helps the folks round him work more durable and turn into higher gamers.
Mathieu: One in every of his largest belongings, his hockey IQ, is above common. He has good intuition offensively, and when he has confidence, he’s extraordinarily quick and tremendous harmful on the ice. He’s a particularly sensible participant and the way he outsmarts the opponent was annoying once I was taking part in in opposition to him. He’s additionally been very well-liked all over the place he’s been, and he brings tons of positivity across the room.
Jeremy: So once I’m watching apply and there’s an intense battle within the nook, am I going to know instantly who it’s with out trying on the numbers?
Mathieu: 100%!
Pierre-Olivier: If we’re on completely different groups in camp, it’s going to be a compete stage that’s as excessive as potential. It’s been that means since I used to be born. It’s going to be a continuation of pushing one another on and off the ice.
Mathieu: I’m so excited to have somebody work with me on my sport earlier than and after apply. To have the ability to do it with my brother, it’s going to assist one another for certain.
Jeremy: Does it appear actual but?
Pierre-Olivier: It’s a dream! I don’t assume we’ll actually realize it till we’re on the identical ice collectively and being in entrance of the followers in St. Louis.
Mathieu: Hopefully we may also help the Blues be a aggressive group with our efficiency and our personalities. I instructed my dad, “Hopefully we will have a great season and luxuriate in it in St. Louis and play a few years there!”
(Photograph of Mathieu Joseph with the Senators and Pierre-Olivier Joseph with the Penguins in January 2023: Joe Sargent / NHLI by way of Getty Pictures)
