Penguins Signed Trevor van Riemsdyk in July
The veteran defenseman joined Pittsburgh on a two-year deal after six seasons with the Washington Capitals.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Hockey
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On July 1, 2026, the Pittsburgh Penguins signed 35-year-old defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk to a two-year contract. The veteran enters his 13th NHL season after spending the previous six years with the Washington Capitals.
Why it matters
The signing brings a defensively responsible presence to the Pittsburgh blue line, where van Riemsdyk is expected to contribute to the team's penalty kill unit. His addition is intended to help the roster improve its defensive depth and overall win potential.
Van Riemsdyk arrives in Pittsburgh after 13 years of professional experience, having played the previous six seasons with the Washington Capitals. He is a right-handed shot who spent 10 years competing against current divisional teammates.
The players
Trevor van Riemsdyk
He is a 35-year-old NHL defenseman entering his 13th professional season.
Kris Letang
He is a longtime Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman who currently serves as a defensive partner for van Riemsdyk.
The details
Van Riemsdyk, who is known for his defensive reliability and ability to block shots, has already begun participating in training camp with the Penguins. He is currently training on the left side of the ice alongside teammate Kris Letang.
Timeline
July 1, 2026: Trevor van Riemsdyk signed his two-year contract with the Penguins.
September 2026: The veteran defenseman began participating in team training camp.
Season Trajectory
This acquisition alters the defensive rotation for the Pittsburgh Penguins as they look to shore up their penalty kill and overall stability in the defensive zone. The move signals a strategic shift to integrate veteran presence into the roster to support the team's current competitive window.
Fantasy managers should note that van Riemsdyk’s role is primarily defensive and limited to the penalty kill, offering little value in offensive categories. His placement alongside Kris Letang suggests he will be a fixture in the team's defensive rotation throughout the season.
The takeaway
Adding a veteran like van Riemsdyk is a common strategy for teams prioritizing defensive structure and discipline during a long NHL season. His ability to play on both sides of the ice provides necessary flexibility for coaches managing injury rotations.
Further reading
For more on roster updates and team acquisitions, visit our Pittsburgh Hockey section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NHL.
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