The Montreal Canadiens have sent shockwaves through the hockey community with a pair of unexpected roster moves that signal a bold new direction for the team. In a flurry of late-breaking announcements, general manager Kent Hughes has secured the signatures of two key players, adding both experience and depth to the Canadiens’ lineup.

The addition of goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen had been anticipated, but the surprise signing of Stanley Cup champion Sammy Blais has truly captured the attention of fans and analysts alike. Blais, a proven winner with the St. Louis Blues, brings a valuable blend of grit and offensive skill to Montreal, while Kahkonen’s steady presence between the pipes offers much-needed stability in net.

With these strategic acquisitions, the Canadiens are clearly positioning themselves for a competitive season ahead. As excitement builds across the fanbase, all eyes are now on Montreal to see how these new additions will impact the team’s fortunes on the ice.

Jun 12, 2019; Boston, MA, USA; St. Louis Blues center Ryan O'Reilly (90) and left wing Sammy Blais (9) looks for the puck between Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask (40) and defenseman Brandon Carlo (25) during the first period in game seven of the 2019 Stanley Cup Final at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

The Montreal Canadiens have just announced two last-minute acquisitions.

First, they confirmed the signing of goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen, which comes as no surprise since we reported on it earlier today.

But that’s not all.

In the official press release published by the Montreal Canadiens confirming the Kahkonen signing, there was also a little surprise.

In addition to Kahkonen, the Canadiens have also signed forward Sammy Blais! We love it!

Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens Announce Two Signings

Blais is also a Stanley Cup champion, having won it with the St. Louis Blues in 2019.

“Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes announced on Tuesday that the team has agreed to terms on one-year, one-way contracts with forward Samuel Blais and goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen.

Blais, 29, played 51 AHL games with the Abbotsford Canucks in 2024-25, tallying 40 points (14G, 26A) and served 44 penalty minutes. The Montmagny, QC native also registered six goals and 13 assists in 23 playoff contests to help the Canucks win the AHL’s Calder Cup.”

– Montreal Canadiens

Kent Hughes thus adds another hometown forward and another former St. Louis Blue!

Sammy Blais, 29 years old, is a 6-foot-2, 206-pound forward who has recorded 71 points in 257 career NHL games and has played in 27 NHL playoff games.

In 2022-23 with the Blues, he tallied 20 points in 31 games.

This season in the AHL, he collected 40 points in 51 games.

More details to come.