Trevor van Riemsdyk is headed to the Washington Capitals’ biggest rival.
The former Capitals defenseman has agreed to a deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins minutes into free agency on Wednesday.
The signing was first reported by Chris Johnston. PuckPedia added that van Riemsdyk signed a two-year, $4 million deal worth $2 million annually.
TVR becomes the second Capital to jump onto the Penguins’ roster this offseason, joining forward Hendrix Lapierre. Lapierre was dealt to Pittsburgh for a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick on June 25.
Van Riemsdyk’s move to the Steel City comes days after general manager Chris Patrick wouldn’t reveal the team’s standing with the 34-year-old defender and fellow pending UFA Brandon Duhaime heading into free agency.
“I’ve had some conversations with their agents,” Patrick said at the conclusion of the 2026 NHL Draft, but I’m going to probably just leave that between us for now.”
Van Riemsdyk played six seasons for the Capitals from 2020 through 2026, serving in a depth defensive role and as a penalty killer.
TVR set career highs in goals (7) and points (23) during the 2022-23 season, Peter Laviolette’s final behind the bench in DC.
During the 2025-26 campaign, his final with the Capitals, van Riemsdyk recorded 14 points (3g, 11a) in 68 games and was a healthy scratch at times under Spencer Carbery.
