Blackhawks’ $4M Forward Faces Uncertain Future, Could Hit Waivers in 2025-26
As the Chicago Blackhawks head into training camp this season, they hope to turn things around after another last-place finish. With a focus on developing their young stars, there’s optimism that the Hawks can start moving out of the NHL cellar. However, tough decisions will need to be made, and one of those decisions may involve veteran forward Sam Lafferty. 
The 30-year-old could find himself on waivers if he doesn’t impress during training camp. This marks Lafferty’s third stint with the Blackhawks, after previously playing parts of two seasons in Chicago. Originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins, Lafferty was traded to the Blackhawks in January 2022 for Alex Nylander. After a two-year contract with Chicago, he was sent to the Toronto Maple Leafs at the 2023 trade deadline as part of the Jake McCabe deal. Lafferty was later traded to the Vancouver Canucks in a cap dump move, where he played for a season before returning to Chicago this year.
After signing a two-year, $4 million deal with the Buffalo Sabres, Lafferty was traded back to the Blackhawks in the summer for a 2026 sixth-round pick. Now, he enters training camp hoping to make an impact and secure his spot on the team. However, with just four goals and seven points in 60 games last season, Lafferty will need to show significant improvement if he wants to avoid another short tenure in Chicago.
Lafferty’s Role with the Blackhawks
Daily Faceoff has projected Lafferty as the team’s fourth-line center, a role that could still be valuable for the veteran. He’ll have a chance to prove he’s still an effective NHL forward, even if he plays less than 10 minutes a night. With the Blackhawks in a rebuilding phase, Lafferty’s experience could provide essential depth and leadership, especially with young centers like Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar looking to take their games to the next level.
A solid season from Lafferty could be important for the Blackhawks, who are looking for crucial depth scoring to help improve their position. While it would be unrealistic to expect him to score 20 goals, every bit of secondary scoring will be important for the team’s progress.
Young Players Eyeing Lafferty’s Spot
As a rebuilding team, the Blackhawks will have several young players competing for NHL roles, potentially pushing Lafferty for his spot. Ryan Greene and Olive Moore are two players who could challenge for a roster spot, with Moore even potentially taking over the fourth-line center role. Lukas Reichel could also be in the mix if the team decides to shuffle the lines.
Veteran forwards like Joey Anderson may also add pressure, making Lafferty’s position on the team uncertain. With plenty of young talent pushing for opportunities, Lafferty may find himself fighting to keep his place in the lineup. If he doesn’t make the cut, there’s a strong chance another team could take a chance on him, as he could still contribute as a solid fourth-liner looking for depth.
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