This Buffalo Sabres signing has the potential to make an impact.
One of the Buffalo Sabres' top objectives this offseason was to improve their bottom six. In the end, they did just that, adding players like Jason Zucker, Ryan McLeod, Nicolas Aube-Kubel, Beck Malenstyn, and Sam Lafferty.
One name from this list of players who has the potential to make an impact is Lafferty. The Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania native signed a two-year, $4 million deal with the Sabres on July 1, and it could end up being a very good deal for Buffalo.
Lafferty is precisely the kind of bottom-six player that a playoff-hopeful team like the Sabres should be adding to their group. This is because the 29-year-old is strong defensively, extremely physical, and also chips in offensively. Due to this, he should become a key forward in the Sabres' lineup from here.
When looking at Buffalo's current roster, Lafferty has a pretty strong chance of being their 4C on opening night. Yet, he can also play on either wing, so he could flirt with third-line minutes. In addition, due to his solid defensive play, he will surely see time on their penalty kill.
Lafferty appeared in 79 games this past season with the Vancouver Canucks, where he posted 13 goals - a new career high - to go along with 24 points. He also took his grit to a new level in 2023-24, recording a career-high 191 hits.
Overall, while Lafferty may not be the flashiest of players, his tenacity and solid two-way play should make him a fine addition to the Sabres' lineup moving forward.
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