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Canadiens make two roster moves as a call-up for Samuel Blais now seems likely
Photo credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images
We've had some action within the Montreal Canadiens following Wednesday night's game against the Winnipeg Jets.
Kent Hughes has finally made a move; he has finally confirmed what we've been expecting for a few days, and two players are involved.
Florian Xhekaj and Adam Engstrom back with the Laval Rocket: an imminent call-up for Samuel Blais?
That's what many are expecting.
"The Canadiens have loaned forward Florian Xhekaj and defenseman Adam Engstrom to the Laval Rocket."
- Montreal Canadiens
- Montreal Canadiens
It's probably not ideal to send Xhekaj back to Laval right before facing our rivals this Saturday, the Toronto Maple Leafs, but the young Xhekaj needs to start playing more minutes again.
Florian Xhekaj, only 21 years old, is a 6-foot-4, 204-pound forward who was a fourth-round pick of the Montreal Canadiens in 2023 (101st overall).
In five games with the Canadiens this season, he has 1 point, 7 penalty minutes, and a minus-1 rating.
With the Laval Rocket, he has 4 points in 16 games, a plus-3 rating, and 44 penalty minutes.
Adam Engstrom, 22 years old, is a left-shot defenseman standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 198 pounds, who was a third-round pick of the Montreal Canadiens in 2022 (92nd overall).
In two games with the Canadiens this season, he has 0 points and an even rating.
With the Laval Rocket, he has 14 points in 18 games, a plus-8 rating, and six penalty minutes.
What this means for Sammy Blais ahead of Saturday's game
With Xhekaj and Engstrom sent down, the Canadiens have clearly opened a spot - and Samuel Blais is the leading candidate to fill it. His experience, physical presence, and strong play in Laval make him a natural fit for a rivalry game against the Maple Leafs.
A call-up now seems very likely, especially for Saturday night's game against the Habs' archrivals.
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