Penguins Make a Sneaky Move During the 4 Nations Face-off Break
Even as the hockey community collectively breathes a sigh of relief during the 4 Nations Face-off break, the Pittsburgh Penguins have shown that they aren’t entirely content to sit on their hands. On Thursday, the team made a subtle but noteworthy trade at the American Hockey League (AHL) level, sending forward Corey Andonovski to the Springfield Thunderbirds in exchange for forward Mathias Laferriere. This move, while not a blockbuster, still carries significance for both players and their respective teams’ futures.
Introducing Mathias Laferriere
Mathias Laferriere, a 24-year-old forward, is a player who has been steadily grinding away in the AHL, waiting for his opportunity to break through to the NHL. Drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the sixth round of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, Laferriere has spent parts of four seasons with the Springfield Thunderbirds. This season alone, he has contributed two goals and 10 points in 33 games. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches, Laferriere possesses a solid frame that could prove valuable in a variety of roles. His contract, which is signed at $775,000 through the remainder of the 2024-25 season, provides the Penguins with some financial flexibility and a young player to develop.
Laferriere’s AHL Track Record
Over the course of 207 AHL games, Mathias Laferriere has amassed 21 goals and 70 points. While these numbers aren’t stratospheric, they indicate a player who has shown consistent improvement and a willingness to contribute in various ways. Laferriere’s playstyle is characterized by his physical presence and his ability to play in different lines, making him a versatile addition to the Penguins’ roster. His experience in the AHL, coupled with his potential for growth, makes him an intriguing prospect for the Penguins as they look to bolster their depth and explore new options for the future.
Saying Goodbye to Corey Andonovski
On the other side of the trade, Corey Andonovski, a 25-year-old forward, is moving to the Springfield Thunderbirds. Andonovski, who was undrafted, has had an up-and-down season with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, appearing in 27 games and registering three goals and five points. Despite his limited playing time, Andonovski has shown flashes of potential and has amassed 182 penalty minutes in 157 AHL games, indicating his physicality and willingness to engage. His move to Springfield could provide him with a fresh start and more consistent ice time, which might help him refine his game and potentially earn a chance in the NHL.
Evaluating the Trade’s Impact
For the Penguins, this trade serves multiple purposes. First, it adds a young, versatile forward to their AHL ranks in Laferriere. His physical presence and scoring touch could help solidify the team’s depth and provide new options on the ice. Second, the move gives the team some flexibility in the lineup, especially as they navigate the 4 Nations Face-off break and beyond. While Andonovski’s departure might leave a slight gap in physicality, his inconsistency in play this season suggests that this was a strategic decision to give both players new opportunities to thrive.
Future Prospects and Development
Both Laferriere and Andonovski are players who have yet to reach the NHL level, but they each represent different stages in a player’s development. Laferriere, with his consistent AHL performance and younger age, has more time to grow and prove himself. The Penguins will likely give him ample opportunities to showcase his skills and potentially earn a call-up to the big league. Meanwhile, Andonovski’s move to Springfield could be the catalyst he needs to find his groove and demonstrate his value. Whether these players will make the leap to the NHL remains to be seen, but for now, this trade is a step in the right direction for both organizations and the players involved.
Keeping Up with the Penguins
As the season progresses, keeping an eye on these developments and other roster moves is crucial for Penguins fans. Bookmarking THN – Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab can help you stay informed about the latest news, roster changes, player features, and more. This trade, though modest, is a reminder that even during quieter periods in the season, management is always looking for ways to improve the team and set the stage for future success.
