Pittsburgh Penguins by the numbers: Sam Lafferty
Today’s by the numbers series rolls on to a Pittsburgh Penguins rookie that may be more than just a good story. What did the youngster do in year one?
As a Pennsylvania native, Hollidaysburg, to be exact, there is no doubt that Sam Lafferty enjoyed getting the call to play for the Penguins. In his first season playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins, he also didn’t disappoint after playing in 50 games before the season was postponed then subsequently ended last month.
Out of his 50 games on the ice, he also helped the Penguins to the tune of 13 points (6 goals and 7 assists). Lafferty is up for a new contract this summer and is a pending RFA. The Pittsburgh Penguins have a ton of forwards, 17 to be exact, and it will be rough waters to tread in for the youngster. However, he might’ve shown over the year that he is more than just a happy tale.
When playing up with Pittsburgh, he typically played on the 4th line. Once the Penguins got healthy, he was usually sent back down to their AHL affiliate. Fortunately for him, the AHL has canceled their season, and the last time the Penguins played, he was on the roster filling in for Nick Bjugstad. His timing, like his story, might be the perfect segue for his career endeavors.
Pittsburgh Penguins by the numbers: Sam Lafferty
Looking at Sam Lafferty from an outsider’s perspective, and you see a 4th liner that hasn’t linked up well with the senior team. In all actuality, he’s performed well, considering he was a 4th round pick and is in his first season with the Pens.
Many, including myself, don’t see him back with the Penguins organization come next season, but who knows what will happen. His fellow center, Bjugstad, may get offloaded to help with salary cap issues, and with his price-tag, Lafferty would be a dime bit cheaper.
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So if he stays, where does that leave him? Unfortunately, still, most likely, a healthy scratch, waiting for his turn again. He has shown he can be much more than that, but like so many before him, timing is everything. If he is still a Penguin next year, let’s hope he uses that time to grown and learn for his years to come.