Feb. 3: Four NHL Players Placed on Waivers
On February 3, four NHL players were placed on waivers, marking a significant moment in the league as teams evaluate their rosters. Among these players was Sammy Blais of the Montreal Canadiens, who has experienced a tumultuous season.
Sammy Blais’s Rollercoaster Season
Sammy Blais signed a one-year deal with the Canadiens in the off-season. However, he was unable to make the NHL roster initially. Following his placement on waivers before the regular season, he was claimed by the Toronto Maple Leafs.
During his brief stint with the Maple Leafs, Blais played in eight games before being placed back on waivers in late November. The Canadiens reclaimed him after this process. Since his return, Blais has participated in 13 games and has contributed two goals and three assists, totaling five points in his time with Montreal. Overall, he has scored three goals and added five assists for eight points in 21 games this season.
Blais’s contract carries a cap hit of $775,000. If he clears waivers, he will be eligible to join the Laval Rocket, the Canadiens’ AHL affiliate.
Other Players on Waivers
Beyond Blais, three additional players were placed on waivers for contract termination:
- Ryan McAllister (Florida Panthers)
- Filip Larsson (Pittsburgh Penguins)
- Samuel Johannesson (St. Louis Blues)
If they clear waivers, these players will become free agents. Each has had a challenging experience with their respective teams.
Ryan McAllister’s Journey
Ryan McAllister has spent time in the Panthers’ minor-league system since leaving Western Michigan University after the 2022-23 season. Struggling with injuries and inconsistent performance, he has not secured a long-term position in professional hockey. In four seasons with the Charlotte Checkers, he has recorded 18 goals and 28 assists for a total of 46 points in 72 games. His entry-level contract has an NHL annual average value (AAV) of $950,000 and a minor-league salary of $83,000.
Filip Larsson’s Opportunities
Filip Larsson was once seen as a promising goaltending prospect for the Detroit Red Wings. After spending some time in Sweden, he signed a two-year contract with the Penguins in April 2024, which carries a $775,000 AAV in the NHL and a $400,000 cap hit in the minors. Unfortunately, Larsson has not yet made a significant impact in the NHL. This season, he has played nine games with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, earning a record of 3-2-1, along with a 3.51 goals-against average and a .876 save percentage.
Samuel Johannesson’s Developments
Samuel Johannesson is in his second season playing professionally in North America with the Springfield Thunderbirds. He has scored two goals and provided nine assists for 11 points in 26 games this season. Over his career with Springfield, Johannesson has amassed seven goals and 36 assists in a total of 92 games. Currently, he is also in the final season of his entry-level contract, which features a $950,000 NHL AAV and a minor-league salary of $83,000. Johannesson was selected in the sixth round of the 2020 NHL Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The waiver placements signal changes for these athletes as they look to reshape their careers in the NHL.
