We have some more news today, as hockey news and rumours seem to be coming very constantly at this time of the offseason. The Pittsburgh Penguins continue their work at adding players who tend to fly under the radar, but they seem to be able to squeeze the most out of them. Forward Hendrix Lapierre trade acquisition is a player who seems to fit the Penguins current identity to a tee. The trade is with a Metropolitan Division rival, the Washington Capitals. Pittsburgh is sending a third-round pick in 2027 and a 2028 fifth-round pick (originally the San Jose Sharks) the other way. Let’s discuss what this means for both sides.
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Hendrix Lapierre Trade from Washington to Pittsburgh
Lapierre was originally a first-round pick (22nd overall) by the Caps back in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. So, the Washington organization is the only NHL club he has known to this point of his career. In addition, the 24-year-old spent a bunch of time jumping between the AHL’s Hershey Bears and the Caps prior to last year. In 2024-25, he was a point per game player in 32 AHL games, suggesting he had outgrown that level. This past season, 2025-26, he played a full NHL season, with 74 games, recording four goals and 12 assists, but in only 8:50 of average ice time.
Capitals announce they've traded C Hendrix Lapierre to the Penguins for a third-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft and a fifth-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft (originally from San Jose).
Lapierre, 24, is potential RFA.
— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) June 25, 2026
He is a solid depth centre, who plays a good overall game. He’s not flashy, but plays with grit, and can chip in offensively, relative to his level of opportunities. It is possible Pittsburgh will look to give him a bit bigger of a role with the club. At this point of his career, he is likely ready for it.
The Trade from Washington’s Point of View
The Hendrix Lapierre trade comes as the Caps have been at the forefront of a couple big moves lately. Over the recent days they acquired offensive-minded forwards Alex Tuch and Jordan Kyrou. While these are huge moves for the organization, it did use up roster spots, along with salary cap space. Case in point, it makes sense that they would want to move a depth piece for some draft assets. Washington is loading up in preparation of life after Alex Ovechkin, but it seems they are ready for one more run with him in 2026-27.
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