Blackhawks Claim Zach Sanford off of Waivers (Get to Know Him)
By Kyle Graden
![Ottawa Senators v Arizona Coyotes Ottawa Senators v Arizona Coyotes](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_4323,h_2431,x_0,y_125/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/GettyImages/mmsport/99/01hkgahhqzjdz14f270t.jpg)
The Blackhawks have claimed veteran forward Zach Sanford off of waivers today (from the Arizona Coyotes). The 29 year old was orginally a late second round pick by the Washington Capitals in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. The Salem, MA native is a big (6'4 207lb) left wing left shot forward. With 100 career NHL points, to get that kind of NHL production for nothing is a boon for Kyle Davidson as he deals with a multitude of roster injuries and uncertainties.
The last time Sanford saw consistent NHL time was the 4 season span from 2018-2022 playing for the St. Blues and the Ottawa Senators. In that span, Sanford amassed 83 points playing mainly a bottom 6 role as a hard to play against larger RW. Since then, Sanford has bounced around between the Jets, Predators, and most recently the Coyotes organizations.
While it isn't ideal, Sanford provides a competent NHL caliber forward for the time until the regular roster gets healthy. At that time, Sanford having put in time over 5 different seasons in the AHL can then slide into a prominent role for the Icehogs if needed.
Just like Rem Pitlick, whom had a natural hat trick against the Kraken two seasons ago, Zach Sanford has one of "those games" in his history as well... see below:
So, all in all, adding a player with great size, an NHL pedigree, and a 4 goal game in his arsenal for absolutely nothing can't be viewed at as anything other than a win on a day where all the news seems to be negative.