Penguins Acquired Forward Hendrix Lapierre
The Pittsburgh Penguins added the former first-round pick to their roster following a trade in June 2026.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Hockey
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The Pittsburgh Penguins added forward Hendrix Lapierre to their organization in June 2026. A 2020 first-round NHL draft pick, Lapierre brings championship experience and a deep playoff background to his new team.
Why it matters
The move addresses a need for increased depth and responsibility within the Penguins lineup following injuries to key teammates. Lapierre aims to leverage his speed and playmaking abilities to bolster the team's offensive production.
Lapierre recorded 22 points, including 7 goals and 15 assists, across 20 AHL playoff games in 2024. He also appeared in 74 NHL games during the 2025-2026 season before arriving in Pittsburgh.
The players
Hendrix Lapierre
He is a professional hockey player who was selected in the first round of the 2020 NHL Draft.
Pittsburgh Penguins
They are a professional hockey team based in Pittsburgh that competes in the National Hockey League.
Hershey Bears
They are a professional hockey team that serves as a developmental affiliate and won Calder Cup championships with Lapierre.
Washington Capitals
They are the NHL franchise where Lapierre previously played before his 2026 trade.
The details
Lapierre has been refining his faceoff technique through extensive video study and on-ice practice sessions. He participated in the Penguins training camp to help integrate into the new team's tactical framework.
Timeline
2020: Hendrix Lapierre was selected in the NHL Draft.
2022-2025: Lapierre played 113 games for the Hershey Bears.
2023: Lapierre won a Calder Cup championship.
2024: Lapierre won his second Calder Cup championship.
June 2026: Lapierre was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Season Trajectory
Lapierre brings the elite performance profile associated with his 2024 Jack A. Butterfield Trophy win to the Penguins organization. This addition signals a shift toward integrating high-ceiling young talent to stabilize the team's depth after a challenging run of injuries.
Lapierre is expected to provide speed and playmaking depth to the Penguins rotation, potentially impacting lineup combinations for the remainder of the season. His integration into the team's faceoff schemes serves as a key metric to monitor for roster stability.
The takeaway
The acquisition highlights the importance of versatile depth players who have proven they can perform under the pressure of deep playoff runs. Fans should watch how Lapierre's technical improvements at the faceoff dot influence his ice time and overall contribution to the team.
Further reading
For more updates on roster moves and team developments, visit the Hockey section.
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