CHICAGO, IL – The Chicago Blackhawks organization has officially announced a significant roster move, confirming the reacquisition of veteran forward Sam Lafferty from the Buffalo Sabres. The trade, finalized on July 1, 2025, sees the Blackhawks sending a 2026 sixth-round draft pick to the Sabres in exchange for the 30-year-old forward, who previously spent parts of two seasons with the Chicago club.
Lafferty, a native of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, brings a blend of size and versatility to the Blackhawks’ lineup. Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 205 pounds, he is known for his diligent work ethic and physical presence on the ice, attributes that were evident during his initial tenure in Chicago.
Sam Lafferty’s Journey Through the NHL
Originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins as the 113th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Lafferty has carved out a role for himself as a reliable bottom-six forward across multiple NHL franchises. His professional career has seen him don the jerseys of five different organizations: Pittsburgh, Chicago, Toronto, Vancouver, and most recently, Buffalo.
Throughout his six-season NHL career, Lafferty has accumulated 90 points, tallying 40 goals and adding 50 assists over 349 regular-season games. His journey through the league highlights his value as a depth player capable of contributing in various roles.
Performance with the Buffalo Sabres in 2024-25
During the most recent 2024-25 NHL season, Lafferty skated in 60 games for the Buffalo Sabres. In those appearances, he recorded seven points, consisting of four goals and three assists. Beyond his offensive contributions, his statistics for the season underscore his physical style of play and effectiveness in key situational roles.
Lafferty registered a notable 89 hits during his time with Buffalo, showcasing his commitment to finishing checks and playing with intensity. Furthermore, he demonstrated proficiency in the faceoff circle, posting a 50.6% faceoff win percentage, a valuable asset for any team looking for reliable defensive zone starts or penalty kill support.
A Return to Familiar Territory: Previous Stint in Chicago
This trade marks a return for Lafferty to the Blackhawks, where he previously played during parts of the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons. His first period in Chicago proved to be one of his most productive stretches in the league. Over 97 games with the Blackhawks, he registered 32 points, breaking down to 15 goals and 17 assists.
His familiarity with the Blackhawks’ organizational structure and some returning personnel could facilitate a smoother integration back into the team environment. His previous performance indicates he is capable of providing secondary scoring and energy within the Blackhawks’ system.
Career Totals and Playoff Experience
Including his time with Pittsburgh, Chicago, Toronto, Vancouver, and Buffalo, Lafferty’s career totals stand at 90 points (40 goals, 50 assists) in 349 regular-season contests. While often deployed in a defensive or energy role, his statistics demonstrate his ability to contribute offensively when opportunities arise.
Adding to his resume, Lafferty also possesses experience in the demanding environment of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He has participated in 21 career playoff games, recording three points (one goal, two assists) during those appearances. Playoff experience, even in a limited capacity, can be beneficial to a team, bringing an understanding of the intensity and pressure of postseason hockey.
What Lafferty Brings to the Blackhawks
The reacquisition of Sam Lafferty suggests the Blackhawks are looking to add veteran depth and specific functional roles to their roster as they continue their organizational build. His ability to play center or wing, combined with his physicality, faceoff skills, and penalty-killing potential, makes him a versatile piece for the coaching staff.
Acquiring a player with his profile for a late-round draft pick aligns with strategies focused on adding immediate, known commodities to complement developing prospects or provide stability within the lineup. Lafferty’s previous success in Chicago likely factored into the team’s decision to bring him back.
The transaction, completed on July 1, 2025, sees Sam Lafferty rejoin the Chicago Blackhawks, while the Buffalo Sabres gain a future asset in the form of a sixth-round pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.
