Maple Leafs Make Two Bold Waiver Moves, Claiming Former Canadiens Players
Photo credit: Hockey Ptrol
In a surprising move, the Toronto Maple Leafs claimed two former Montreal Canadiens players off waivers, meaning their rivalry just added another dimension.
With the 2pm waiver deadline passing, and only hours before teams have to register their roster with the league, the Toronto Maple Leafs made two surprising waiver claims.
Toronto Adds Depth with Two Strategic Waiver Pickups
It was announced the team had added former Montreal Canadiens forward Sammy Blais as well as goaltender Cayden Primeau.
NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman broke the news on social media:
Blais, 29, didn't play last season and ended up signing a deal with the Canadiens this summer. He has 71 points in 257 games over his career, and is familiar with head coach Craig Berube from his time in St. Louis.
Primeau, 26, is expected to help with Toronto's goaltender situation and likely spells the end for James Reimer and his PTO.
Primeau recorded a 2-3-1 record in 11 games last season, with a 4.70 GAA and .876 SV%; he was drafted 199th overall by Montreal in 2017 and is the son of former NHLer Keith Primeau, and the nephew of Wayne Primeau.
His best season came in 2023-24 when he went 8-9-4 with a 2.99 GAA and .910 SV% with Montreal.
It's a bit surprising that the team added two players after such speculation about who is fitting on the roster with the logjam they already have.
Granted, they are dealing with some injury issues, and with the 5pm roster deadline looming, they might still be willing to move other pieces like Calle Jarnkrok; and David Kampf's absence also opens up a potential spot down the line.
Former Canadiens Forward Could Bring Much-Needed Edge to Toronto's Bottom Six
Blais is no stranger to Berube as previously mentioned and there's good reason why Toronto went after him.
With questions about Scott Laughton's help, the need to replace that grit and physicality was a must. He would add a ton of physicality to the bottom-six, bringing even more punishment (averaging nearly 120 hits per season).
He's on par with Jarnkrok and David Kampf in terms of offensive production, he's much bigger than both of them at 6'2, 206 pounds, and while he dishes out the pain, stays out of the penalty box; a huge boost to the team.
There is no guarantee that he'll suit up right away, but Blais adds a ton of depth and grit which is something the team can always use more of.
TRENDING NOW
