The Chicago Blackhawks made a few notable additions during a relatively quiet offseason. One key move was reacquiring Sam Rafferty from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for the sixth pick in the 2026 draft, marking the third trade involving Rafferty between these teams.
Rafferty had a difficult 2024-25 season with Buffalo, registering four goals, three assists, and a minus-15 rating across 60 games. Given his struggles to find a solid role with the Sabres, it wasn’t unexpected that the team would trade him during the offseason.
Despite a tough year, Rafferty remains a valuable asset for the Blackhawks. He showcased some of the best hockey of his career in his previous stint with Chicago, establishing himself firmly as an NHL player. His most productive season with the Blackhawks came in 2022-23, when he scored 10 goals and tallied 21 points in 51 games before being traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs at the 2023 trade deadline.
Rafferty’s strong performance isn’t limited to Chicago; during the 2023-24 season with the Vancouver Canucks, he scored a career-high 13 goals, alongside 24 points and 191 hits in 79 games. If he can recapture that offensive output while maintaining his physical play, Rafferty could become a valuable member of Chicago’s bottom-six forwards.
It will be intriguing to watch how Rafferty performs for the Blackhawks in the 2025-26 season. Bringing him back was a low-risk move that could pay solid dividends.
In addition to Rafferty, the Blackhawks also added players like Andre Brakovsky and Dominique Toninath, bolstering their depth. A significant signing was Ryan Donato, who inked a four-year, $16 million contract extension in June, highlighting the team’s effort to strengthen its roster.
Fan Take: The Blackhawks’ strategic moves signal their dedication to building a competitive team while managing risks carefully. Rafferty’s return adds depth and experience, making the upcoming season an exciting one for fans eager to see how these changes impact the team’s performance.
