Sammy Blais Making His Presence Felt in Laval, Even as NHL Return Waits
After a strong weekend showing, there was some buzz that Sammy Blais might be heading back to the Canadiens. But for now, he’s still in Laval - and he's making the most of it. The veteran winger picked up an assist in the Rocket’s 4-1 win over Providence on Tuesday night at Place Bell, continuing to build chemistry on a line with captain Lucas Condotta and Xavier Simoneau.
Laval head coach Pascal Vincent knows Blais might not be around for long, but he’s certainly appreciating what the 27-year-old brings to the lineup.
“I’ve always been a fan of Sammy Blais,” Vincent said. And that’s not just lip service.
As a former NHL head coach with Columbus, Vincent saw Blais up close when he was with St. Louis, and the impression stuck.
“He’s great at the net, one of the best I’ve seen deflecting pucks. He has good hands and can be physical.
That’s unique. A big guy with tremendous hands?
Usually it’s a rare combination.”
It’s that blend of size, skill, and edge that makes Blais such a valuable piece - even in the short term. He’s the kind of player who can create offense under pressure, but also won’t shy away from finishing his checks. That’s a coach’s dream, especially in a league like the AHL, where physicality and grit still play a big role.
“He didn’t play much in Toronto,” Vincent noted, referring to Blais’ limited ice time during a recent stint, “but he got to skate quite a bit. His conditioning is good and he has the right attitude.
He’s won in the NHL, he’s won in our league. He’s an interesting player.
We’re fortunate to have him back.”
Blais isn’t exactly a newcomer to the AHL grind. He’s logged 202 games in the minors, tallying 71 goals and 150 points along the way. Last season with Abbotsford, he put up 14 goals and 40 points - a solid campaign that showcased his ability to contribute offensively while still playing a heavy game.
So it’s no surprise he’s fitting in quickly with Laval.
“I just came in and tried to help the team win,” Blais said after Tuesday’s win. “I want to go back to the NHL; that’s my goal.
I’ll just try to play my game and see what happens. If I play my game and play good, I’m sure good things will happen.”
That’s the mindset of a player who’s been through the ups and downs of pro hockey - and one who knows how quickly things can change. For now, Blais is giving the Rocket a boost, and if he keeps playing like this, he might not be in Laval for long.