Pittsburgh Penguins Sign Trevor van Riemsdyk to 2-Year Deal

The Pittsburgh Penguins have announced they have signed defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk to a two-year contract. The deal is worth $4 million per season.

Penguins Add Veteran Defenseman

van Riemsdyk spent last season with the Washington Capitals. In 68 games, he scored three goals and added 11 assists. He was an asset on the ice. He ranked fourth on the team in shorthanded time at 1:43, fifth in plus/minus rating at a plus-6, and fifth with 97 blocked shots. Despite the Capitals missing the playoffs, van Riemsdyk was one of their better players defensively.

In 751 games, van Riemsdyk has scored 28 goals and has recorded 161 points. In addition to the Capitals, the New Jersey native has played for the Chicago Blackhawks and Carolina Hurricanes. He won the Stanley Cup in 2015 with the Blackhawks.

Role in Pittsburgh

van Riemsdyk will look to carry over his strong defensive play to the Penguins. He will likely play in the team’s bottom four and will definitely see time on the penalty kill.

van Riemsdyk is a durable defenseman who can play on either side of the ice, despite being a right-handed shot. This is something head coach Dan Muse will appreciate. Furthermore, he has experience in the playoffs. In addition to his Stanley Cup in 2015, he also helped the Hurricanes reach the Eastern Conference Final in 2019. His added experience will be welcomed in the locker room.

Pens Seeking Another Cup

After exceeding expectations and making the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season, it seems the Penguins are looking to make a run at another Stanley Cup. Considering Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are getting up in age, it makes sense that they want to go all in now.