Canucks acquire Lafferty from Leafs

Team adds size and speed for 5th round pick

The Vancouver Canucks picked up winger Sam Lafferty from the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday in exchange for a fifth round draft pick. The 28-year-old split last season between Toronto and Chicago and registered 12 goals and 27 points.

“As we work towards becoming a tougher team to play against, Sam will add some grit and sandpaper to our line-up,” said Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin in a press release. “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.”

Lafferty, who is listed at 6'2" and 205 pounds, was originally drafted by Allvin and the Pittsburgh Penguins in the fourth round in 2014. In 210 career regular season NHL games, the Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania native has 23 goals and 59 points. He has also appeared in 10 Stanley Cup playoff games.

In making his way to Vancouver, Lafferty joins fellow former Penguins Ian Cole, Teddy Blueger and Casey DeSmith as recent additions to the Canucks line-up.

Also on Sunday, the Canucks placed Jack Studnicka and Christian Wolanin on waivers and sent Nils Aman to Abbotsford.