In an update on talk surrounding the Chicago Blackhawks organization, there is chatter that the team and forward Sam Lafferty are thinking about a contract extension, Meanwhile, Marian Hossa has announced that he’s signed a one-day contract with the Blackhawks so that he can retire in a Chicago jersey.
Sam Lafferty Contract Extension Update
The temptation to test free agency will certainly be something Sam Lafferty of the Chicago Blackhawks will consider, but the organization is interested in bringing him back and the player himself is keenly interested in sticking around.
The pending UFA makes $750K this season and will garner interest from other teams this summer. He plays a style of game many teams covet and he should see a nice increase over his current salary as a 27-year-old who has five goals, plays a key depth role, is physical and provides energy. It does seem like the team and the player will work something out as GM Kyle Davidson said on Friday:
‘‘I think he can [fit into our future], for sure. He has been great. He has really impressed and fit in, and his style of play is endearing. It’s not dissimilar to the [Brandon] Hagel discussion. That style of play is admired and coveted around the league.”
Knowing Lafferty might test the free-agent waters this summer, Davidson says he’s got the right to explore the market but added, “I’d say we’d be interested in bringing Sam back.’”
Lafferty himself said, ‘”I’d love to come back. I love it here. It’s a really good fit. I love the city, I love the team, the organization — everything.’” He did admit that he’s never been through the UFA process before and he intends to let his agent get all of that stuff figured out for him. He won’t be an incredibly expensive player, but he’ll have options as a few teams will likely make similar pitches.
Could Lafferty Be a Breakout Player?
The Blackhawks already said goodbye to a player in Brandon Hagel who took a giant step in his development this season and there are some that believe Lafferty has a similar ability to take a giant leap forward. This isn’t to say he’ll become the next Hagel, but many believe he could be a steal if he signs for a reasonable number and locks into a few years on an extension.
As Ben Pope of The Chicago Sun-Times writes, “Lafferty is clearly an underrated player with the potential to break out next season, which is exactly what the Hawks should be looking for at this early stage of their rebuild.”
Marian Hossa Retiring a Blackhawk
Former NHL forward and Blackhawks star Marian Hossa has announced that he will sign a one-day contract with the team so that he can officially retire in a Blackhawks uniform this Thursday. While he played for the Ottawa Senators, Atlanta Thrashers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Detroit Red Wings, he said retiring as a Blackhawk is a dream come true and that he couldn’t imagine retiring in any other uniform.
He will speak to the media after the 2nd intermission during that game and he said he made the best decision of his career by committing to the organization in 2009.
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