Penguins Recall Sam Lafferty After Letang Injury

The Pittsburgh Penguins are down to seven healthy defensemen but still have one in reserve. Tuesday afternoon, the Penguins recalled rookie Sam Lafferty from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the AHL. Lafferty played his first 10 NHL games last month as an emergency recall after the Penguins suffered five injuries to their forwards crew.

Lafferty, 24, scored six points in 10 games, including three goals. He was also a plus-four.

The Hollidaysburg, Pa native was the Penguins fourth-round pick in 2014 and attended Brown University. Lafferty became one the surprise stories of the Penguins training camp and preseason. The speedy winger asserted himself into the roster conversation and was the second recall and first forward recalled from WBS.

Penguins defenseman Kris Letang was injured Monday night against Boston. Winger Patric Hornqvist was injured Saturday is out, “longer-term.” The Penguins were without an extra forward Monday night. If Letang is injured, Chad Ruhwedel would be the only spare defenseman.

From the Penguins Press Release:

 The local Hollidaysburg, PA native scored his first NHL goal in a three-point night (1G-2A) on Oct. 12 in Minnesota during his third career game. The 24-year old went on to record his first career two-goal game the next night in Winnipeg.

Although he has only played in 10 games, Lafferty’s three goals rank fourth (tied) among rookies this season, while his six points rank ninth (tied) among NHL rookies.

The 6-foot-1, 185-pound forward has played three games with WBS this season, recording one goal. In his first full professional season with WBS in 2018-19, the forward led the team with 36 assists while ranking second in overall scoring with 49 points. In 82 career AHL games, Lafferty has recorded 15 goals, 38 assists, and 53 points.