Samuel Blais Maintains NHL Dream While Embracing AHL Role with Laval Rocket
When Samuel Blais found himself out of the lineup for eight consecutive games with the Montreal Canadiens in January, the veteran winger understood the implications. At 29 years old, Blais recognized his latest NHL opportunity was concluding, yet he remains steadfast in his professional aspirations.
"I didn't play for three weeks. I had an idea," Blais revealed to The Gazette following a Laval Rocket practice at Place Bell. "When you don't play for that long, it kind of hurts you a bit to get back in game shape and how you want to play. I'm getting back to it now and will try to keep getting better."
A Season of Professional Challenges and Transitions
This season has presented significant challenges for Blais, testing both his patience and determination. Originally signed by the Canadiens as a free agent to a one-year contract in July, Blais experienced multiple organizational shifts early in the campaign.
The Toronto Maple Leafs claimed him off waivers on October 6 following training camp, where he played eight games, recording one goal and two assists. After being placed on waivers again, the Canadiens reclaimed Blais on November 27 and assigned him to their American Hockey League affiliate.
Montreal recalled Blais before Christmas, and he appeared in 13 games, scoring twice with three assists. However, when he failed to register a point in his final four appearances, Blais became a healthy scratch before clearing waivers and returning to Laval on February 5.
Embracing the AHL Opportunity with Championship Focus
"It's been a lot of ups and downs, but I think I've played some pretty good hockey all year long," said the 6-foot-2, 206-pound native of Montmagny. "Whether I'm playing here or the NHL, it doesn't matter. I just want to bring my best. I think I've been doing a good job at it. I'm with the Rocket right now and am concentrating on helping the team win."
Blais has found productive chemistry playing on a line with captain Lucas Condotta and Joshua Roy, accumulating seven goals and 22 points in 21 games for Laval. Despite the Rocket's recent 2-0 shutout loss to Syracuse, Blais demonstrated his offensive capabilities last weekend with three goals and two assists in games against Rochester and Syracuse.
"This is part of the game," Blais added. "There's a lot of good players up there. A lot of good players down here, too. If an injury happens, I have to make sure I'll be ready if I get a call. For sure, everyone wants to play in the NHL, but we've got a good group here and I think we can accomplish good things. We want to win the Calder Cup here. That's what my focus is on now."
Coach's Perspective on Blais's Unique Skillset
Laval head coach Pascal Vincent recognizes Blais's distinctive offensive capabilities and valuable experience.
"When he has the puck, he's a very dangerous man for the other team," Vincent observed. "He's got poise. He's a different kind of offensive player. He holds onto the puck when other guys would move it, but it produces offensive plays, scoring chances, or he scores himself."
Vincent continued: "I don't know that there's necessarily something missing in his game. I don't look at it that way. He needs an opportunity ... a team that has room for a guy like him. ... Teams know what he's going to bring. He has won the Stanley Cup and the Calder Cup. The guy has good experience in the playoffs. And winning in the playoffs."
Proven Championship Pedigree and Professional Experience
Selected in the sixth round (176th overall) by St. Louis in 2014, Blais brings substantial professional experience to the Rocket lineup. He has appeared in 278 NHL games with the Blues, New York Rangers, Toronto, and the Canadiens, recording 30 goals and 79 career points.
Blais earned a Stanley Cup championship with St. Louis in 2019, contributing one goal and two assists in 15 playoff contests. More recently, he captured the AHL championship last season with Abbotsford, where he was particularly productive with six goals and 13 assists in 23 postseason games.
The winger acknowledges the developmental benefits of his current AHL assignment, where he receives increased playing time and assumes greater responsibility.
"You play in more situations here. It helps for sure," Blais explained. "I know my role when I'm in the NHL. When I'm down here, I know I can make some good plays with the puck. I have some good skills and use my body well. I get confidence, for sure, playing here, picking up points and making plays. If I get a chance to go back up there, I'm sure I'm going to be ready."
Meanwhile, the Rocket anticipates the return of goaltender Jacob Fowler, who has been sidelined by illness since February 16, along with forward Florian Xhekaj, who also missed time due to sickness. Both players were scheduled to return for Friday night's matchup against Rochester at Place Bell.
