The Toronto Maple Leafs managed to edge out a 3–2 overtime win against the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday night, but the club’s injury crisis worsened once again.
Already without team captain Auston Matthews, top-line winger Matthew Knies, top-pair defenseman Chris Tanev, and several other veterans, Toronto saw Sammy Blais exit in the third period after just 6:31 of ice time.
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Blais notched an assist and completed four hits in 10 shifts spread over 6:32 of playing time before leaving the bench and getting into the locker room with five minutes left in regulation.
After the game, St. Louis head coach Craig Berube shared a worrying update about Blais’ condition.
“He took body contact, and then he was kind of coughing up blood and stuff,” Berube said. “He had to go in.”
Berube did not elaborate on the nature or severity of the issue, and there is no official word yet on what caused the symptoms.
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Toronto claimed Blais, who is on a one-year, $775,000 deal, off waivers on October 6 to bolster a lineup already hit hard by injuries. His exit now adds to a growing list of sidelined Leafs.
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Sammy Blais (79) skates against during an NHL game.John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Forward Matthew Knies was scratched late Tuesday due to a lower-body injury, with Berube confirming the team wasn’t sure Knies would be available earlier in the day. More worryingly, Berube admitted that Knies’ issue had been lingering.
“This morning, I wasn’t sure if he was going to play or not, so I told Sammy to be ready,” Berube said. “He came here tonight, Knies, and he couldn’t go. It got worse today.”
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General manager Brad Treliving said Auston Matthews remains day-to-day, adding, “I don’t anticipate too, too long,” regarding his return. That said, Treliving said he doesn’t expect Matthews back before Saturday’s outing against the Montreal Canadiens.
Toronto (9–9–2) hosts the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. ET.
Related: Maple Leafs’ Craig Berube Shares Matthew Knies Injury Update Before Blue Jackets Game
Related: Troubling Auston Matthews Injury Update Emerges Amid Maple Leafs’ Losing Streak
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Nov 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.