The Montreal Canadiens have bolstered their forward lineup with a familiar face, announcing the recall of Samuel Blais from the American Hockey League's Laval Rocket. The move was confirmed by the team on December 21, 2025.
Blais Returns to the NHL Roster
The decision to bring up Blais adds depth and experience to the Canadiens' offensive unit. The 27-year-old winger, who has previously spent time with the St. Louis Blues and New York Rangers, rejoins the NHL club after a stint in the minors. Blais participated in the Canadiens' training camp in Brossard, Quebec, in September 2025, positioning himself for this opportunity.
Providing Proven Depth
This recall is a strategic move by the Canadiens' management to address immediate needs on the roster. Blais is known for his physical, grinding style of play and brings a level of NHL experience to the lineup. His time with the Laval Rocket allowed him to maintain game readiness and compete for a spot back with the big club.
The Canadiens are likely looking for Blais to provide energy, forechecking pressure, and reliability in the bottom six. His recall signals the team's intent to utilize all available resources within the organization as they navigate the long NHL season.
What This Means for the Canadiens
Samuel Blais's promotion creates additional competition for playing time among the forward group. It offers the coaching staff more flexibility with their line combinations and provides insurance against injuries. For Blais, this is a chance to re-establish himself as a full-time NHL player and contribute to the Canadiens' campaign.
Fans will be watching to see how quickly he can adapt back to the speed of the NHL game and what impact he can make in his return to Montreal's lineup.
