Canadiens Waive Samuel Blais Amid Anticipated Roster Changes

The Montreal Canadiens have placed Samuel Blais on waivers, raising questions about potential roster changes. Other NHL teams have 24 hours to claim the forward. If he is unclaimed, the Canadiens can send him to their AHL affiliate, the Laval Rocket.

Blais has had a tumultuous season marked by his time on waivers. After training camp, he was placed on waivers and claimed by the Toronto Maple Leafs. On November 27, the Canadiens reclaimed him from Toronto. During his time with Montreal, Blais has played 13 games, scoring five points, including two goals. Previously, he had three points and one goal in eight games with the Maple Leafs.

Roster Adjustments Before Trade Freeze

The timing of Blais’s waiver announcement is significant. A trade freeze will commence on February 4 at 3 PM and will last until February 22 at 11:59 PM. During this period, specific regulations will apply to players sent to the AHL if they are waived. However, for veteran players like Blais, the rules remain mostly unchanged after the deadline.

Potential Impact on Team Composition

The Canadiens appear to aim for a roster spot for returnee Patrik Laine. Laine has played only five games this season due to a sports hernia surgery but has been training without restrictions for over two weeks. Should he return, he may play against the Winnipeg Jets on Wednesday.

If Laine remains on the injured list, the Canadiens gain flexibility. They will keep a roster spot available in case of last-minute acquisitions before the trade freeze or directly following the conclusion of this period. Additionally, Blais’s removal from the roster reduces the team’s salary cap by $775,000. While this figure may not be substantial, it allows the organization to enhance its salary cap space leading up to the trade deadline on March 6.

Summary of Key Details

• Blais placed on waivers on February 4.
• 13 games with Montreal: 5 points (2 goals).
• Previous stats with Toronto: 8 games, 3 points (1 goal).
• Trade freeze from February 4 to February 22.
• Patrik Laine may return after injury.
• Salary cap reduction: $775,000 from Blais’s removal.
• Next trade deadline: March 6.

As the Canadiens navigate these roster changes, they aim to enhance their competitiveness while managing salary cap implications. Fans will be watching closely to see how these developments unfold.