Sam Lafferty set for Florida debut in home opener against Wild
The Charlotte recall is set to make his Florida debut Saturday against Minnesota, with Barkov and Marchand both sidelined.
Sam Lafferty is about to go from the AHL to a home opener. The forward, recalled from the Charlotte Checkers last week, is expected to make his Florida Panthers debut Saturday at 6 p.m. ET against the Minnesota Wild at Amerant Bank Arena.
Lafferty, 31, signed a one-year, two-way contract with Florida on July 1. He has 92 points (41 goals, 51 assists) in 378 career NHL games. He is expected to centre the fourth line between Boko Imama and Garnet Hathaway.
Captain Aleksander Barkov is already out 6 to 8 weeks with a lower-body injury, and the Panthers announced Friday that Brad Marchand will miss six weeks with a lower-body injury suffered in Thursday's 2-1 win in Los Angeles.
"Obviously, super excited," Lafferty said. "I just want to play a simple game and try to contribute. These guys, my line, has been effective. Just play a simple game and bring my speed. I'm looking forward to the opportunity."
Florida went 2-0-2 on its season-opening road trip and has won its last seven home openers. Minnesota is 2-1-1 after a 3-2 loss at Tampa Bay on Thursday.
