HabsWorld.net --
The Habs have made a roster move a little before the upcoming trade freeze. On Tuesday, they placed winger Samuel Blais on waivers for the purpose of assigning him to AHL Laval if he clears.
This is now the third time this season that the winger has been on the waiver wire. Montreal waived him at the end of training camp and he was claimed by Toronto. Then, in late November, the Maple Leafs waived him and the Habs claimed him back. Because no one else at the time put in a claim, the Canadiens were able to send him to Laval.
Blais was quite productive in his limited time with the Rocket. He got into nine games with them, potting three goals and six assists. That prompted a recall in December and he has been up with Montreal ever since.
Despite limited usage, Blais was pretty useful with his hometown team. He has suited up in 13 games with them, putting up two goals and three assists along with 50 hits in 8:31 per game. Overall, combined with his output in Toronto, Blais has notched three goals and five assists along with 78 hits in 21 appearances.
With that output from the fourth line and an affordable league minimum contract, there is a legitimate chance that Blais is claimed. Even so, this was the right time to make this move from a roster optimization standpoint.
The Olympic trade freeze comes into effect at 3 PM ET on Wednesday, one hour after Blais’ waiver period will expire. While there isn’t a direct roster freeze in effect, there are restrictions on demotions, including for players who have been up as much as Blais has this season. Since he has been on an NHL roster for more than 80 days between Montreal and Toronto, had the Habs waived him during the break/freeze period, he wouldn’t have to report to the minors until February 17th. By waiving Blais today, he can report to the Rocket right away if he clears while opening up a bit of extra cap room in the process.
Meanwhile, with Patrik Laine nearing a return, the Habs were going to need to open up a roster spot for him at some point after the break. Assuming they don’t make any moves before the trade freeze, Blais’ removal from the roster can serve as Laine’s spot when games resume.
