What the Vancouver Canucks are getting in Sam Lafferty

Sometimes all you can do is Lafferty.

Just days after rumours circulated about the Canucks working the phones to make a late-preseason trade, Patrik Allvin got his man in forward Sam Lafferty from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for a 2024 fifth-round pick. A native of the incredibly named Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, Lafferty is a late bloomer who found his way into the NHL just four years ago and quickly made a name for himself as a solid bottom-six depth piece.

Lafferty is coming off a career year in 2022-23, scoring 27 points while splitting the season between the Blackhawks and the Maple Leafs. Prior to his stint in Chicago, Lafferty had been in the Penguins system since being drafted in 2014. Say what you will about Jim Rutherford and Patrik Allvin, but they’re nothing if not loyal to their former Pittsburgh products.

Clocking in at 6-foot-2 and over 200 pounds, Lafferty brings a hardnosed game to the Canucks’ bottom six, a piece that’s been missing since Derek Dorsett’s career was cut short by injuries. But despite his bigger frame and physicality, Lafferty is best known for his speed, an element that the Canucks are especially deprived of across the current roster.

The 28-year-old also adds a right-handed centre to Rick Tocchet’s options and, combined with his quick skating and heavy-hitting, makes Lafferty an ideal option for the Canucks’ penalty-killing unit. Think Tyler Motte, but taller.

While his offensive capabilities might be a bit more limited, Lafferty’s certainly no slouch when given the time and space. The Leafs certainly thought so last year, which is why they packaged up a pair of top 60 picks to acquire him and Jake McCabe from the Blackhawks ahead of last year’s playoffs.