Overview
- The trade was confirmed Thursday, June 25, 2026, with Washington receiving Pittsburgh’s 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick that originally belonged to San Jose.
- Lapierre is a 2020 first-round pick who has strong AHL credentials, including back-to-back Calder Cups and the 2024 AHL Playoff MVP, but he has struggled to translate that success into steady NHL offense.
- In 2025–26 Lapierre played 74 games for Washington, recording four goals and 12 assists for 16 points while averaging 8:50 of ice time per game.
- Washington’s recent additions of Jordan Kyrou and Alex Tuch created forward depth that prompted the Capitals to convert a blocked roster spot into draft assets.
- With Lapierre due to become a restricted free agent on July 1, Pittsburgh will use him as a middle- to bottom-six center and the club’s next steps to watch are a short-term contract agreement and whether he earns more NHL minutes.