Canadiens Place Samuel Blais on Waivers
On Tuesday afternoon, the Montreal Canadiens announced that they have placed forward Samuel Blais on waivers. This personnel move was crucial, as the NHL transaction freeze begins at 3 PM on Wednesday due to the Olympic break.
Reasons Behind Blais’s Waiver Placement
The Montreal Canadiens had to act quickly to place Blais on waivers. Starting Wednesday, the league will halt all transactions until after the Olympic games. This created a narrow window for the Canadiens to make personnel adjustments.
Context of the Move
During this time, the Laval Rocket, the Canadiens’ AHL affiliate, will be playing nine games until February 22. Their first match is scheduled for Wednesday evening against the Utica Comets, which will be broadcast on RDS.ca. This waiver move could facilitate the return of Patrik Laine to the lineup, who has been sidelined since October 16 due to a sports hernia. Laine is still listed as injured.
Blais’s Journey with the Canadiens
Samuel Blais was contracted by the Canadiens during the summer and was initially claimed off waivers by the Toronto Maple Leafs before the season commenced. His time with the Leafs was limited to just nine games.
- Blais returned to waivers on November 27.
- The Canadiens re-acquired him at that time.
- He has played 13 games in total this season, scoring two goals and adding three assists.
- Blais has a +4 plus/minus rating.
Team Dynamics
With recent returns of players like Jake Evans and Kirby Dach, as well as the addition of Phillip Danault in December, the Canadiens found themselves with an excess of forwards. Blais has not played since January 15, further influencing the decision to place him on waivers.
This strategic move by the Canadiens may reshape their roster as they navigate the ongoing season.
