A team has locked up a key forward, inking Hendrix Lapierre to a fresh two-year contract. The deal carries an average annual value of $1.3 million and will keep the player on the roster through the 2027-28 season. This move comes after the team acquired Lapierre just last week, sending third and fifth-round picks to his former organization to secure his services. The signing was announced by the President of Hockey Operations and General Manager, who stated the team "has signed forward Hendrix Lapierre to a two-year contract."
CHAMPIONSHIP PEDIGREE
Lapierre brings a winning background, having been a two-time Calder Cup Champion. He spent the previous season with his former organization, skating in 74 games and tallying four goals, 12 assists, and 16 points. Over 158 career NHL games, the forward has recorded 13 goals, 34 assists, and 47 points. He hit career highs in a previous season, notching eight goals, 14 assists, and 22 points in 51 contests. His AHL resume is equally impressive, with 27 goals, 52 assists, and 79 points across 113 games. He also added 31 points in 48 postseason appearances. During a previous Calder Cup run, Lapierre was named Playoffs MVP, putting up a postseason-high 22 points while playing under an assistant coach who is now with the signing team. He was originally a first-round draft pick by his former organization.
CAP SPACE CRUNCH?
Despite this new deal, the team still has work to do, with six more restricted free agents awaiting new contracts. This group includes other players who finished the previous season in the minor leagues. However, the organization boasts significant cap space, which is expected to be more than enough to sign the remaining players and maintain flexibility for future roster moves.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.