The news broke like a thunderclap across Montreal, sending shockwaves through the city’s hockey faithful before most fans had even finished their morning coffee. A single photograph began circulating online—a grinning Samuel Blais, clad in Canadiens red, standing beneath the iconic logo that has defined generations of dreams and heartbreak. The image was simple, but its implications were anything but. Within moments, social media erupted, group chats lit up, and the city’s sports radio hosts scrambled to make sense of the sudden twist. Samuel Blais is back. But why now, and what does it really mean for the Canadiens?

For many, the sight of Blais in Montreal colors again is both familiar and jarring. After all, it wasn’t so long ago that the Habs themselves let him walk, a decision that sparked its own round of debate and second-guessing. Now, with a single move confirmed almost simultaneously by insiders Renaud Lavoie and Elliotte Friedman, the narrative has flipped on its head. The Canadiens have claimed Samuel Blais off waivers—an unexpected homecoming that raises more questions than answers about Kent Hughes’ strategy and the team’s direction this season.

The timing couldn’t be more dramatic. Just days ago, the Canadiens were searching for a spark—a jolt of intensity and experience to steady the bottom of their lineup and bring new energy to a roster still finding its identity. Toronto’s crowded roster, forced to make room for returning stars like Auston Matthews, Nicolas Roy, and Matthew Knies, set the stage for Blais to become the odd man out. But few expected Montreal to pounce so quickly, and even fewer can predict what comes next.

The return of Blais isn’t just about filling a gap on the wing. It’s a move that reignites old debates about player management, lineup flexibility, and the delicate balance between youth and veteran presence. Supporters are split—some surprised, some skeptical, but most simply eager to see what Kent Hughes has up his sleeve. Is this a calculated gamble to stabilize the team, or a sign of deeper changes brewing behind the scenes?

At 29, Samuel Blais brings a unique blend of grit and experience to the ice. A sixth-round pick from 2014, he’s carved out a respectable career across 265 NHL games, tallying 28 goals and 74 points with the St. Louis Blues, New York Rangers, and Maple Leafs. This season, his three points in eight games may not grab headlines, but for a depth player, it’s solid production—and perhaps just what the Canadiens need to turn the tide.

But the real intrigue lies in what happens next. Will Blais slot seamlessly into the lineup, or will his arrival trigger a cascade of moves within the organization? How will the coaching staff leverage his experience, and what message does this send to younger players fighting for ice time? With the Habs looking to stabilize their lines and build momentum, every decision matters—and every move is watched with the intensity only Montreal can muster.

For now, fans are left with a single, electrifying image and a thousand questions. Samuel Blais is back in Montreal, and the story is just beginning. Stay tuned for more details as this unexpected chapter unfolds.

Photo of Samuel Blais and Canadiens logo

Photo credit: All Montreal Hockey / NHL

The Montreal Canadiens have just claimed Samuel Blais off waivers, a decision confirmed by Renaud Lavoie and Elliotte Friedman.

Big news, and it’s going to get people talking!

The Montreal Canadiens have officially claimed Samuel Blais off waivers, information confirmed almost simultaneously by Renaud Lavoie and Elliotte Friedman.

This comes at a time when the Habs were precisely looking to add intensity and a bit of experience to the bottom of their lineup.

“Samuel Blais claimed off waivers by the Canadiens” – Renaud Lavoie

The return of Samuel Blais reignites the debate on winger management

Many supporters are surprised to see the Canadiens bring back a player they themselves let go recently. But in my opinion, it’s nothing but positive!

This move shows that Kent Hughes does not hesitate to adjust his lineup or move players from the Laval Rocket when an opportunity presents itself.

Just yesterday, we reported that the Toronto Maple Leafs needed to open spots in their roster with the returns of Auston Matthews, Nicolas Roy, and Matthew Knies.

This is exactly what forced Toronto to place Samuel Blais on waivers.

At 29 years old, Blais is a 6th-round pick from 2014. This season, he has 3 points in 8 games, a respectable output for a depth player. In 265 NHL games with the St. Louis Blues, New York Rangers, and Maple Leafs, Blais has collected 28 goals and 74 points.

I believe bringing Blais back to Montreal is a smart gamble, especially at a moment when the Habs are looking to stabilize their lines. This move could help the team as early as this week.

More details to come.