The Chicago Blackhawks were never likely to get aggressive in free agency this year. They’re focused on continuing to develop their young core, recently bolstered by their three new 1st round picks. However, GM Kyle Davidson isn’t naive. He understands that his team still needs more depth and experience in key places. The tough part is finding in. Situations like this often see organizations bringing in familiar faces. Players they know and trust. Sure enough, Davidson found a solution he thinks will help.
On Tuesday, Chicago agreed with the Buffalo Sabres to trade a 6th round pick in exchange for veteran forward Sam Lafferty. This marks the third time he will play for the Blackhawks, having played just over a full season with the franchise from 2021 to 2023. He scored 15 goals with 17 assists in 97 games during that time. His key strengths aren’t his offensive prowess. Chicago likely wants him for his physical play style, strong defensive ability (especially on penalty kills), and skating speed.
The Chicago Blackhawks are sticking to their plan.
Every move made this offseason has indicated the team wants to get tougher and more physical. Each of their 1st round picks, including Anton Frondell, fit that profile. Lafferty won’t stand out on the stat sheet, but he plays a brand of hockey the Chicago Blackhawks have lacked for some time. They need more guys who are willing to slug it out with tough teams. Lafferty has no such qualms. He gives them some much-needed depth in the bottom six. His previous experience of playing in Chicago means it won’t be a long adjustment period. He alone won’t make them a sudden playoff contender, but there is no doubt he is a nice piece to help in that pursuit. It will be interesting to see what else the Blackhawks try as free agency unfolds.
@Wade Garrett trades are tough to make. Hawks have an extra goalie they can give up. Laurent Brossoit did not play the entire year last year but I think he’s healthy now. He might get you a mid range guy. And of course they’re all always stock piling draft picks. All these teams are.
@Hehateme30. I agree but if GMKD can’t get any FA’s he might as well start signing Bedard and Nazar to long term contracts to do something with the extra cap space. He might also have to make some sort of trade to acquire another top 6 player because it looks like slim pickins out there now for free agents. I think we’re really set on Bottom 6 players.
Lafferty will help as far as fourth line, physicality, chasing down pucks, defensive play in his own zone. Hustle & all of that. He will also be a good guy to demonstrate to the young guys how you’re supposed to play. The problem is, this year there’s not many free agents available and today was the beginning of free agency but most of the Primo free agents have resigned with their old teams or are signing elsewhere which means it’s gonna be a struggle for the Blackhawks again this season. They’re gonna have to hope for coaching & development for… Read more »