In a surprising twist of fate, the Montreal Canadiens have successfully reclaimed forward Sammy Blais off waivers from their arch-rivals, the Toronto Maple Leafs. This move brings the Quebec-born player back to his home province organization merely two months after the Leafs initially claimed him from the Canadiens.
The Waiver Wire Saga Unfolds
The intricate transaction began on Thursday afternoon when the Canadiens utilized the same waiver process that originally cost them the player. Blais was first claimed by the Toronto Maple Leafs on October 6, a move prompted by an unfortunate preseason injury to centre Scott Laughton, who suffered a foot injury from a shot block, leaving Toronto short on forward depth.
During his brief tenure with the Maple Leafs, the 28-year-old winger managed to make a tangible impact. Blais appeared in eight games for Toronto, recording one goal and two assists before being placed on waivers this Wednesday. This decision coincided with the Leafs activating star players Auston Matthews and Nicolas Roy from the injured reserve, making Blais the odd man out in their roster calculations.
A Journeyman's Impressive Career
Sammy Blais is no stranger to organizational shifts, having built a respectable career across multiple franchises. Originally drafted in the sixth round (176th overall) by the St. Louis Blues in 2014, he achieved the pinnacle of hockey success early, playing a key role in the Blues' historic 2019 Stanley Cup victory. His former St. Louis coach, Craig Berube, now with Toronto, had previously endorsed his hustle and physical edge, qualities honed during their championship run.
Blais's journey continued with stints at the New York Rangers before landing in Montreal. His professional resume is notably diverse: He has appeared in 265 career NHL games, scoring 28 goals with 74 points total across his tenures with the Blues, Rangers, and Maple Leafs.
Proven Talent Beyond the NHL
Beyond his NHL contributions, Blais has consistently demonstrated his value in other competitive arenas. Last season, he carved a significant path in the AHL, helping the Abbotsford Canucks capture the Calder Cup. His offensive capabilities were on full display, as he posted an impressive 14 goals and 40 points in just 51 games with Abbotsford.
On the international stage, Blais has also shone brightly for his country. He helped Team Canada win gold at the 2023 World Championships, contributing six goals and two assists over the course of 10 games, further cementing his reputation as a reliable and skilled forward.
Looking ahead, reports indicate that Blais is now expected to join the AHL's Laval Rocket, Montreal's primary affiliate. This latest chapter marks a homecoming for the native of Montmagny, Quebec, who initially signed a one-year deal with the Canadiens as a free agent on July 1, 2025, before the waiver carousel began.
