Samuel Blais, the Montreal Canadiens forward, remains unclaimed after being placed on waivers on Tuesday afternoon. This decision comes ahead of a transaction freeze in the NHL due to the Olympic break, effective Wednesday at 3 p.m.
Impact on Laval Rocket
With no other team claiming him, Blais will join the Laval Rocket. The Rocket, the Canadiens’ AHL affiliate, is set to play nine games before February 22, coinciding with the NHL’s pause.
Upcoming Games
- The Rocket’s next match is against the Utica Comets on Wednesday evening.
- This game is scheduled to be broadcast live at 7 p.m. on RDS.ca.
Background on Samuel Blais
Blais was signed by the Canadiens during the summer. He was initially claimed off waivers by the Toronto Maple Leafs before the regular season started. However, his time there was limited to just nine games.
On November 27, Blais returned to waivers and was subsequently re-acquired by the Canadiens. Since joining Montreal, he has played 13 games, scoring two goals and assisting on three others. His playing stats also reflect a +4 plus/minus rating.
Roster Changes
With the recent returns of players Jake Evans and Kirby Dach, along with Phillip Danault joining in December, the Canadiens found themselves with an excess of forwards. As a result, Blais has not participated in a game since January 15.
This situation illustrates the competitive dynamics within the Canadiens’ roster and highlights Blais’s current status in the organization. He will look to make a significant impact with the Laval Rocket during the upcoming games.
