Between the Pipes: Curtis Joseph—The Undrafted Goalie Who Became an NHL Icon
If you’re a goalie fan, you probably already know there’s something magnetic about Curtis “Cujo” Joseph. He didn’t arrive in the NHL with draft-day hype. He fought for every crease he earned and built a career that stretched across six teams and nearly two decades. For the first installment of “Between the Pipes”, he’s the perfect place to start—a goalie whose path felt as unpredictable as the position itself.
St. Louis Beginnings: The Undrafted Underdog
Joseph’s story gets rolling with the St. Louis Blues, the team that took a chance when no one else did. He came in raw but fearless, and Blues fans quickly realized he could steal games with sheer athletic chaos. Those early seasons didn’t just launch his career—they gave St. Louis a spark during years when steady goaltending made all the difference.
Edmonton Energy: Playoff Shockwaves
His move to the Edmonton Oilers brought out another gear. If you watched those late 90s’ playoff runs, you remember the feeling: Joseph could turn a series upside down. Those upset wins over powerhouse teams didn’t just surprise the league; they woke up the city. Cujo became the guy you trusted in the final minutes, no matter the matchup.
Toronto Greatness: A Mask and a Moment in Time
Then came Toronto, where everything seemed to click. With the Maple Leafs, Joseph became a full-blown fan favourite. The mask. The intensity. The playoff pushes that gave Toronto fans something real to rally around. He stacked 30-win seasons, frustrated rivals, and anchored deep playoff runs that still hold a special spot in Maple Leaf hockey memory.
The Veteran Chapters: Detroit, Phoenix, Calgary, and Back Again
Later stops—Detroit, Phoenix, Calgary, and a return to Toronto—showed a different side of him. He wasn’t always the starter, but he stayed competitive and dependable. There’s something admirable about a veteran who keeps showing up because he loves the game, not the spotlight, and Joseph fit that mold perfectly.
Cujo: A Legacy Written Across Six Creases
When you look back at Joseph’s career—the wins, the workload, the playoff moments—it’s easy to see why he’s still so well-liked. He never won a Stanley Cup, but fans connected with the heart and urgency he brought every night. His story isn’t about perfection; it’s about a goalie who made people believe their team had a chance.
Cujo: The Goalie Who Left a Lasting Impression
As we kick off Between the Pipes—here in the Professors’ Press Box, starting with Cujo feels just right—a goaltender whose illustrious NHL journey blended grit, resilience, and the kind of moments fans don’t easily forget.
Related: Troy Gamble: The “What If” Vancouver Canucks Goalie