The Vancouver Canucks need veteran presence and got one from the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday, October 8.
The Canucks acquired the services of NHL veteran forward Sam Lafferty from the Maple Leafs in exchange for a 2024 fifth-round pick, ESPN reported. However, it is worth noting that the 28-year-old player will become an unrestricted agent after this season.
The deal was announced by Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin via the Canucks official Twitter account.
General Manager Patrik Allvin announced today that the #Canucks have acquired F Sam Lafferty from the Maple Leafs in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. pic.twitter.com/2fMzgEoAI8
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) October 8, 2023
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"As we work towards becoming a tougher team to play against, Sam will add some grit and sandpaper to our lineup," Allvin said in a statement. "We also like the way he skates and can back players off with his speed. He is a good addition to our forward group and has shown he can also use his speed effectively in a penalty-killing role."
New NHL home for Lafferty
It will be another stop for the Pennsylvania native who split the 2022-23 season with the Chicago Blackhawks and the Toronto Maple Leafs in a deal that included Alexander Nylander, NHL.com reported.
After compiling 10 goals and 11 assists for 21 points in 51 games with Chicago, Lafferty added six points in 19 games with the Maple Leafs.
Throughout his career, Lafferty has tallied 23 goals and 36 assists for 59 points in 210 games with all three teams he has suited up for.
The Canucks hope that Lafferty can lift them this coming NHL season. They open their 2023-24 NHL campaign against the Edmonton Oilers on October 11.
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