Montreal Canadiens’ Season Gamble
At the onset of the current season, the Montreal Canadiens took a gamble by placing Samuel Blais on waivers. As anticipated, he was claimed by none other than their arch-rivals, the Toronto Maple Leafs. However, with a wave of returning players from injury for Toronto, Blais found himself back on waivers and was subsequently reclaimed by the Canadiens, who quickly assigned him to their AHL affiliate, the Laval Rocket.
Potential Return to NHL
Given the ongoing injury woes within the Canadiens’ roster, it is likely that Blais will soon rejoin the NHL squad; this move could lead to the demotion of a younger player for further development in the AHL, such as Jared Davidson.
Jared Davidson’s Performance
Davidson has been having a strong season in Laval, marking his territory with nine goals and two assists in 13 games, showcasing his scoring talent. His recent call-up, however, was met with limited ice time, making him a healthy scratch for two consecutive games, which ultimately suggests that further AHL play under the mentorship of Pascal Vincent could be beneficial for his growth.
Roster Decisions Ahead
If the Canadiens do opt to maintain a roster of 13 forwards, particularly with a challenging matchup against the Ottawa Senators on the horizon, it would be wise to keep Florian Xhekaj on the roster, as he has shown promise and added physicality in his brief NHL appearances.
Blais’s Impact in Laval
In his recent debut with Laval, Blais had an impressive showing, netting two goals including a crucial game-tying tally, ultimately leading his team to a shootout victory over Lehigh Valley. With key players such as Patrik Laine, Kirby Dach, and Alex Newhook sidelined, this might finally present the opportunity for Blais to make his long-awaited return to the Canadiens’ lineup, following his stint in Toronto.
Conclusion
As the team navigates these injuries, the potential for Blais’s storyline to come full circle is on the horizon.
