Canadiens claim Sammy Blais off waivers from Maple Leafs

Sammy Blais was claimed off waivers by the Montreal Canadiens from the Toronto Maple Leafs, The Athletic’s Chris Johnston reports.

Blais recorded a goal and three points in 18 games with the Maple Leafs. He was placed on waivers on November 26, in order to make room for Auston Matthews and Nicolas Roy returning from injured reserve.

“I think it’s a good opportunity for me to be here, and knowing some people here too for sure helps,” Blais said on October 7.  ”I thought I had a good camp in Montreal, and just really happy to be here and have that opportunity in front of me.”

Blais was originally claimed by the Maple Leafs off waivers from the Canadiens on October 6. The 29-year-old signed a one-year deal with the Canadiens on July 1, but was waived before playing a game with his hometown team. He spent the majority of last season with the AHL’s Abbotsford Canucks, recording 14 goals and 40 points in 51 games.

“He knows what I expect out of him, and I know what I’m getting out of him,” Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said of Blais, upon joining the team. “I think more than anything, I know what type of player he is and what he brings to our team, and he knows what I want, so, it’s good to have him.”

“Sammy’s had a history with Chief going back to St. Louis, he won a Cup in St. Louis,” Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving said of Blais on October 7. “If you look back, he was a real good player in St. Louis, went to New York, went through a major injury with his knee and sort of had to rebuild himself. He’s a player that spent last year in the American league, and he was a big part of that team’s success, winning the Calder Cup. Our staff has seen him a lot over his career but specifically last year. He had a good chance in Montreal, he gives us some depth, and some history with the coach.”