Aiming to bolster their roster for the 2025–26 NHL season, the Chicago Blackhawks have reunited with a familiar face via trade to support rising star Connor Bedard.
The Blackhawks have undergone several changes in recent months. During the 2024–25 NHL campaign, the front office moved on from head coach Luke Richardson, finishing the season with Anders Sorensen serving as interim.
After a disappointing year, Chicago hired Jeff Blashill as the new head coach. Now, he’s made a notable move by trading for a player who previously suited up for the Blackhawks.
Blackhawks trade for veteran center to support Connor Bedard
On Tuesday, the Blackhawks acquired 30-year-old center Sam Lafferty from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick, via Chris Johnston of The Athletic. Lafferty returns to Chicago after last playing for the team during the 2022–23 season.
Lafferty rejoins the Blackhawks after two previous stints in Chicago. He was initially acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins via trade in 2022 in exchange for Alexander Nylander.
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NHL News: Blackhawks give up on Connor Bedard’s potential teammate, trading him to Elias Pettersson’s Canucks
A year later, the club traded him to the Maple Leafs and, after a brief stint with the Vancouver Canucks, he returned to Chicago in June 2024. However, just a month later, he joined the Sabres—only to come back to the Blackhawks this summer.
The center arrives following an underwhelming performance in Buffalo. He recorded just 7 points (4 goals and 3 assists) with the Sabres, but his 2023–24 season with the Canucks, where he tallied 24 points, gives Blackhawks fans hope he can help Connor Bedard find success.
Will Connor Bedard sign a contract extension this year?
One of the main topics surrounding the Blackhawks is Connor Bedard’s future. The former No. 1 overall pick became eligible for a contract extension on July 1, and many fans are wondering whether the team will offer him a new deal this summer.
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NHL News: Blackhawks scouting boss reveals early thoughts of Anton Frondell’s fit with Connor Bedard
According to reports, the front office may wait until 2026 to extend Bedard. The club is currently focused on building a stronger roster around him for the 2025–26 season, and then addressing his contract with the attention it deserves.
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