Montreal Canadiens place forward Samuel Blais on waivers for the second time this season
Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
We have a breaking announcement from the Montreal Canadiens.
29-year-old forward Samuel Blais was placed on NHL waivers by Kent Hughes again.
Beyond Blais himself, the move strongly suggests that Patrik Laine is ready to return to action and be activated.
Forward Samuel Blais has been placed on NHL waivers by Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens
According to many, this move effectively serves as the official announcement indirectly confirming Patrik Laine’s imminent return to action, as Blais was placed on waivers in the last few minutes.
Kent Hughes had to make a decision.
The 29-year-old Quebecer is therefore now available for free to the other 31 teams in the National Hockey League.
Blais has provided solid service with his physical style of play, and I truly hope he isn’t claimed once again.
With the Olympic trade freeze set to take effect tomorrow afternoon, the move had become necessary for Kent Hughes.
"If a team wanted to send a player down (via waivers) they had to do it today because of tomorrow’s trade freeze at 3PM. After the freeze, teams are not allowed to go any sort of transactions, like sending a player down."
- Renaud Lavoie
- Renaud Lavoie
If the veteran goes unclaimed by noon tomorrow, he will logically report to the Laval Rocket.
His experience and leadership would be major assets for the AHL affiliate if that happens.
This was a calculated decision by management to make him available now rather than waiting until after the Olympics.
The roster logjam is temporarily resolved with Blais being placed on waivers.
Attention now turns to whether Laine will return to the ice in the next game or take advantage of the upcoming break.
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