Penguins Gamble on Lapierre, Ship Out Draft Capital to Washington

Pittsburgh is betting that Hendrix Lapierre can be a difference-maker in their forward group, but the price tag tells you everything about how the league views the young talent. The Capitals are clearly moving on from their investment in the prospect, cashing in for future draft picks that give them flexibility down the road. This kind of mid-tier swap happens constantly around the league, but it raises questions about what Lapierre needs to prove to justify the Penguins' confidence.