"We have been very pleased with Sam's development," said Rutherford. "His size and speed are big advantages in today's game, and we like what he brings to our lineup."
Lafferty, 25, spent the majority of his rookie season with Pittsburgh in 2019-20. In 50 games, the forward recorded six goals, seven assists and 13 points with a plus-5. His six goals were tied with John Marino for the Penguins rookie lead.
The Hollidaysburg, PA native made his NHL debut with the Penguins, his hometown team, on Oct. 8, 2019 vs. Winnipeg. Lafferty recorded six points (3G-3A) in his first 10 NHL games, including back-to-back multi-point nights on Oct. 12 and 13 in Minnesota (1G-2A) and Winnipeg (2G).
The 6-foot-1, 195-pound forward also made his NHL playoff debut this past season in Game 3 of the Penguins' Qualifying Round against Montreal on Aug. 5.
In addition to his time in Pittsburgh, the forward played six games for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League in 2019-20. He recorded three goals and 10 penalty minutes in the AHL last season. Over the course of three seasons with the WBS Penguins, Lafferty has notched 17 goals, 38 assists and 55 points in 84 games.
Prior to his professional debut, Lafferty played four seasons at Brown University from 2014-18. The forward recorded 79 points (29G-50A) in 124 collegiate games. Lafferty represented his team as an alternate captain his final two seasons, while also being named to the All-Ivy League Second Team in each of those seasons as well.
Lafferty was originally drafted by the Penguins in the fourth round (113th overall) of the 2014 NHL Draft.
