Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Sam Lafferty, a 31-year-old forward for the Chicago Blackhawks, has had a limited role this season, playing in only 26 games and averaging just 8:30 of ice time. However, his positive attitude and willingness to support his teammates has made him an extremely popular and respected figure in the Blackhawks’ locker room.

Why it matters

Lafferty’s ability to maintain a upbeat demeanor despite his diminished playing time has provided valuable roster flexibility for the Blackhawks, allowing them to avoid disrupting the development of their younger prospects. His infectious personality has also boosted team morale and camaraderie.

The details

Despite scoring just one goal and one assist this season, Lafferty has become inseparable from his teammate Connor Bedard, with the two bonding over activities like ping-pong, card games, and golf. Lafferty’s teammates have praised his positive attitude, with Bedard calling him ‘one of my favorite people I’ve met in hockey’ and noting that ‘there hasn’t been one day this year where he’s been down or sulking.’

Lafferty scored his lone goal of the season on November 12, 2025 against the New Jersey Devils.There are nine games remaining in the Blackhawks’ 2025-26 season.

The players

Sam Lafferty

A 31-year-old forward for the Chicago Blackhawks who has played in only 26 games this season, averaging just 8:30 of ice time, but has maintained a positive attitude and become a beloved teammate.

Connor Bedard

A young star player for the Blackhawks who has become extremely close friends with Lafferty, spending more time with him this season than any other teammate.

Nick Lardis

A Blackhawks player who praised Lafferty as ‘one of the best guys’ and a good influence on the team.

Ryan Donato

A Blackhawks player who described Lafferty as a ‘great teammate’ who doesn’t let his limited playing time affect his attitude or bring down the team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›
What they’re saying

“I don’t know how many games he’s played this year, but he’s the most positive guy at the rink every single day. There hasn’t been one day this year where he’s been down or sulking. He comes in and is cracking jokes every day. He’s just a joy to be around.”

— Connor Bedard

“He’s one of the best guys, honestly. He’s always in such a great mood, whether he’s in or out of the lineup. He’s just nice to all these guys, and he’s honestly a good guy to learn from, too.”

— Nick Lardis, Blackhawks player

“He’s a great teammate, first and foremost — a guy you can talk to, joke around with. [Even though] I’m sure he’d like to play more, you really couldn’t tell. He doesn’t let it faze him. He doesn’t let himself or his teammates get dragged down by it. … He never lets us know for a second that he’s upset. He’s always working extremely hard.”

— Ryan Donato, Blackhawks player

What’s next

With nine games remaining in the Blackhawks’ season, it remains to be seen if Lafferty will see increased playing time or if he will continue to be a healthy scratch for much of the final stretch.

The takeaway

Lafferty’s positive attitude and team-first mentality, even in the face of limited playing time, have made him an invaluable presence in the Blackhawks’ locker room this season. His example shows that a player’s value extends beyond just on-ice production.