--- title: "Penguins land gritty forward Lapierre for two late picks" description: "Pittsburgh adds a 24-year-old playoff-tested winger in Hendrix Lapierre, swapping a 2027 third and a 2028 fifth for a pending RFA with AHL pedigree." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/penguins-acquire-forward-hendrix-lapierre-from-the-washingto-515d3e77 published: 2026-06-30T11:08:02.754+00:00 updated: 2026-06-30T11:08:02.754+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["hockey"] --- # Penguins land gritty forward Lapierre for two late picks > Pittsburgh adds a 24-year-old playoff-tested winger in Hendrix Lapierre, swapping a 2027 third and a 2028 fifth for a pending RFA with AHL pedigree. The Pittsburgh Penguins have landed forward Hendrix Lapierre in a low-risk swap with the Washington Capitals, sending a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick to Washington. Lapierre, 24, arrives as a pending restricted free agent with 74 games of NHL experience last season. He contributed 16 points (6 goals, 10 assists) for the Capitals in 2023-24, but his value was always tied to his physical presence and AHL production. In 2022-23, he posted 30 points in 58 games for the Hershey Bears, underscoring his ability to impact games below the NHL level. His 127 penalty minutes last season ranked in the top 20 among NHL forwards under 25, a clear indicator of his role as a disruptive force. The Penguins, rebuilding under general manager Kyle Dubas, add a gritty winger who has appeared in 12 career playoff games, including four in Washington’s 2023 postseason run. His contract status—set to be a restricted free agent this summer—gives Pittsburgh flexibility to retain him on a team-friendly deal or explore extensions that fit their cap structure. Lapierre’s ability to play both wings and kill penalties adds depth to a Penguins lineup that ranked 18th in penalty-kill percentage last season. Washington, meanwhile, clears roster space and draft capital while surrendering a player who never established himself as a full-time NHL regular. The return of two late picks preserves flexibility for a franchise in transition, though the lack of an immediate roster upgrade reflects the Capitals’ depth at forward. The Capitals’ forward group ranked sixth in the NHL in goals scored last season, suggesting they can afford to part with a player whose role was limited to situational minutes. Capitals GM Don Nachbaur hinted at the move’s rationale: “We’re always evaluating how to best position the roster for sustained success. This exchange allows us to add future assets while maintaining our competitive window.” The trade also highlights a broader trend among rebuilding teams prioritizing high-energy, low-cost forwards over high-ceiling prospects. Lapierre’s profile fits the modern NHL’s emphasis on speed, physicality, and special-teams contributions—qualities that often translate better in playoff environments than raw offensive numbers. For Pittsburgh, the acquisition is a calculated gamble on a player whose intangibles may outweigh his statistical profile, a strategy Dubas has employed since taking over in 2023. From a cap perspective, Lapierre’s pending RFA status is a strategic fit for a Penguins roster already tight against the $82.5 million ceiling. Expected arbitration figures for a player of his experience hover around $1.5–$2.0 million, a modest commitment that preserves room for future signings or extensions for core assets. Dubas has repeatedly emphasized the importance of “budget‑friendly depth” to sustain a competitive window without compromising flexibility. Statistically, Lapierre’s 127 penalty minutes place him ahead of the league average for forwards under 25, while his 0.22 points‑per‑game rate mirrors that of other gritty, two‑way wingers such as Brandon Hagel and Sam Steel. His dual‑wing capability and proven penalty‑kill proficiency address specific gaps in Pittsburgh’s roster, where the 18th‑ranked kill unit struggled against power‑play teams that scored 2.9 goals per game last season. What's next: Pittsburgh will decide whether to re-sign Lapierre before July 1 or explore trade scenarios that align with their rebuild timeline. The Penguins’ next move may hinge on whether they can retain Lapierre on a budget-friendly deal or pivot to another low-cost pickup before free agency. Washington will likely use the acquired picks to target high-upside forwards in the 2027 and 2028 drafts, further bolstering their pipeline. ## Why this matters The Penguins add a young, physical forward with playoff experience and AHL success while surrendering minimal draft capital. The Capitals shed a pending restricted free agent with limited NHL production, making this a pure hockey move with long-term roster and draft implications for both sides. This swap underscores the shifting value of late-round picks in rebuilds, where teams increasingly target players who can contribute immediately in niche roles rather than speculative assets. ## Frequently asked ### Who is Hendrix Lapierre? Hendrix Lapierre is a 24-year-old forward who played 74 games for the Washington Capitals last season, scoring 16 points. He has playoff experience and a reputation as a physical, two-way winger with AHL success, including 30 points in 58 games for Hershey in 2022-23. ### What picks did the Penguins give up? Pittsburgh sent a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick to Washington in exchange for Lapierre. ### Why did Washington trade Lapierre? The Capitals moved Lapierre, a pending restricted free agent with limited NHL production, to shed salary-cap space and add late-round draft assets while maintaining roster flexibility. His role was limited to situational minutes, and Washington’s forward depth allowed the move. ### How does this fit Pittsburgh’s rebuild? The Penguins add a young, playoff-tested forward with AHL production at minimal draft cost, aligning with Kyle Dubas’ strategy to build through cost-controlled talent and late-round picks. Lapierre’s penalty‑kill ability and versatility address roster needs. ### Is Lapierre a restricted free agent? Yes. Lapierre will be a restricted free agent this summer, giving Pittsburgh the right to match any offer sheet or negotiate a new contract before July 1. ### What’s next for both teams? Pittsburgh must decide whether to re-sign Lapierre or explore trade options. Washington will focus on adding future assets while maintaining roster depth, likely targeting high-upside forwards in the 2027 and 2028 drafts. ## Sources & Citations - [Penguins Acquire Forward Hendrix Lapierre from the Washington Capitals in Exchange for a 2027 Third-Round Pick and 2028 Fifth-Round Pick - NHL.com](https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/penguins-acquire-forward-hendrix-lapierre-from-the-washington-capitals-in-exchange-for-a-2027-third-round-pick-and-2028-fifth-round-pick) — NewsAPI.org (2026-06-25) --- Cite: Penguins land gritty forward Lapierre for two late picks. Sportopod, 2026-06-30. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/penguins-acquire-forward-hendrix-lapierre-from-the-washingto-515d3e77