Ex-Canucks Ian Cole and Sam Lafferty sign with Utah and Buffalo

Just moments into free agency, there are now four former Vancouver Canucks that have signed with new teams. It was first reported that both Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov will both be heading to the Boston Bruins. Ian Cole and Sam Lafferty have also decided to move on from last year’s Pacific division winners.

 

Ian Cole signs a one-year contract with the Utah Hockey Club and Sam Lafferty signs a two-year deal with the Buffalo Sabres.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that Cole signed a one-year deal worth $3.1 million annually.

Cole, 35, gets a slight raise from his one-year $3 million deal he signed on July 1st last season with the Canucks. The veteran played 78 with Vancouver last season, scoring two goals and nine assists for 11 points, finishing with a +10 rating. Although his time with the Canucks will be remembered for his poor play in the playoffs, he was a solid penalty-killing, bottom-pairing defenceman for the club last season.

Friedman also reported that Lafferty signed his two-year deal worth $2 million per season.

Vancouver acquired Lafferty from the Toronto Maple Leafs right before the season started in exchange for a 2024 fifth-round pick. The 29-year-old started his season on the Canuck bottom six. But it was his hard work ethic and physical play that caught the eye of Rick Tocchet. These efforts earned him stints in the top six, playing alongside Elias Pettersson.

Lafferty had a career season, setting career highs in goals (13), assists (11), and points (24) in 78 games in his first season in Vancouver. However, his play declined come playoff time, and that reflected on his ice time. He was held pointless and even saw some healthy scratches during the playoffs, finishing with a -2 rating.

It’s a slow start for the Vancouver Canucks this free agency. But to keep up to date on all the signings around the league, make sure to check out our live blog here!