Photo credit: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs have lost forward Sammy Blais on waivers after placing the veteran forward there on Wednesday to open a roster spot for Auston Matthews.
The return of Sammy Blais to the Montreal Canadiens is official. On Thursday, Montreal reclaimed the veteran winger off waivers after the Toronto Maple Leafs exposed him just a day earlier.
Blais’ stay with Maple Leafs a short one
Blais had only skated in eight games with the Leafs, registering one goal and two assists, before Toronto made room for healthy returnees.
His ice time had been limited and his underlying metrics at 5-on-5 weren’t impressive – though some alternative possession numbers suggested flashes of promise.
For Montreal, the move feels like reclamation more than regret. The 29-year-old Quebec native signed a one-year deal with the Canadiens in July, only to be lost on waivers to the Maple Leafs shortly before the season began.
Habs management initially believed he would pass through waivers and report to their AHL affiliate in Laval, but that plan never came to fruition.
Leafs losing a good depth player in Sammy Blais
The Leafs are losing a quality depth asset here. Blais was a key contributor during the 2024-25 AHL campaign, putting up 14 goals and 40 points in 51 games – and then adding six goals and 19 points in 23 playoff games en route to a Calder Cup.
With Blais back in Montreal, fans may see him slot into a bottom-six role and add some depth and physicality when injuries or slumps hit.
It’s a quick turnaround for Blais, but a second chance to fit into the Canadiens’ mix. The Leafs, and head coach Craig Berube, whom he had won a Stanley Cup with in St. Louis, will certainly miss what he brings to the table.
Previously on Toronto Hockey Daily