Maple Leafs Claim Samuel Blais Off Waivers From Habs

It turns out that Samuel Blais’ time with his hometown team was rather short-lived.  After being placed on waivers on Sunday, the Maple Leafs announced Monday that they have claimed him off waivers from Montreal.  He played in three games this preseason, picking up one assist.

Blais signed a one-year, one-way contract worth the league minimum salary of $775,000 with the Habs back on July 1st.  At the time, the thought was that he’d serve as Michael Pezzetta’s replacement as a 13th forward who can come into the lineup when injuries strike or whenever the team needs some extra grit.  However, that spot ultimately was filled a couple of weeks later when the Canadiens signed Joe Veleno.  Martin St. Louis made it known that he didn’t want to carry 14 forwards so Blais became the odd player out.

Blais had 14 goals and 26 assists in 51 games last season with Abbotsford of the AHL while adding six goals and 13 helpers in 23 playoff contests as the Canucks beat Charlotte for the Calder Cup title.  He also has 257 career NHL games under his belt where he has 27 goals, 44 assists, and 835 hits.  He was one of two players Toronto claimed with a Montreal connection as they also scooped up Cayden Primeau off waivers from Carolina.

With Blais being claimed, Montreal now has 42 of their 50 contract slots filled for the upcoming season.  Meanwhile, Kaapo Kahkonen passed through waivers unclaimed, paving the way for him to join Laval.