The reasoning behind Kent Hughes placing Samuel Blais on waivers is now clear
Samuel Blais being placed on waivers shouldn’t be viewed as a rejection, but rather as roster management with the Olympic break approaching.
The decision to place the Quebec-born forward on waivers today is tied to a specific calendar deadline.
As expert Renaud Lavoie pointed out, teams absolutely had to make moves today if they wanted to send players down before the transaction freeze.
That full moratorium on roster movement comes into effect tomorrow.
So this was Kent Hughes’ final opportunity to assign Blais to the American League without being blocked by NHL administrative rules.
The organization’s goal in this situation is fairly clear: they want to keep the veteran.
Based on what’s circulating, management is hopeful Blais will clear waivers and report to the Laval Rocket.
That’s another reason behind today’s decision.
Marco D’Amico also reminds everyone of a relevant detail when evaluating the risk of losing him: the last time Blais was placed on waivers by the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Canadiens were the only team to put in a claim.
The move therefore seems reasonable from Montreal’s perspective.
Other teams are also in roster-management mode ahead of the break and don’t necessarily have cap space to add a contract right now.
Much-needed ice time in Laval for Samuel Blais
The logic behind the move is also hockey-related. (another reason)
With the NHL pausing for the Olympic Games, Canadiens players will be forced into a long layoff.
By joining the farm team, Samuel Blais will get a chance to play games and stay sharp instead of sitting idle.
That’s valuable for a player who has been scratched frequently lately, as it allows him to handle the puck in real game situations.
The Rocket are fighting for playoff positioning, and adding a Stanley Cup winner, even temporarily, can only help Pascal Vincent’s group.
His attitude has always been exemplary, and he can help guide the younger players.
If the plan works as expected tomorrow, everyone benefits from this administrative move.
The Canadiens keep their depth, Blais plays hockey, and the Rocket get reinforcements.
As many observers have pointed out, there are also two names to watch between now and tomorrow: Patrik Laine and Alex Newhook!
"The Canadiens have placed Samuel Blais on waivers.
With the transaction freeze taking effect tomorrow, NHL teams had to act today if they wanted to send a player to the minors.
If he is not claimed, Blais will play in Laval.
This roster move could also open the door to a possible return to action for Patrik Laine tomorrow night against the team that drafted him, in Winnipeg."
- Patrick Friolet
With the transaction freeze taking effect tomorrow, NHL teams had to act today if they wanted to send a player to the minors.
If he is not claimed, Blais will play in Laval.
This roster move could also open the door to a possible return to action for Patrik Laine tomorrow night against the team that drafted him, in Winnipeg."
- Patrick Friolet
One of them could be activated from injured reserve and return to action as early as tomorrow night!
Also read on Montreal Hockey Fanatics :
Martin St-Louis receives the NHL’s explanation for the overtime non-call — and it raises eyebrows
Martin St-Louis receives the NHL’s explanation for the overtime non-call — and it raises eyebrows