When the Toronto Maple Leafs made a surprising roster move last week, few could have predicted the ripple effect it would create—not just among Montreal Canadiens fans, but within the organization itself. In an unexpected twist, Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes found himself caught off guard by the Leafs’ latest acquisition, hinting at behind-the-scenes drama that has yet to fully unfold.

During a recent interview, Hughes broke his usual silence on such matters, offering a rare and intriguing glimpse into the Canadiens’ internal reactions. His candid admission has left many wondering what really happened in the days leading up to the move, and how it might impact Montreal’s strategy moving forward.

With both teams locked in a fierce rivalry and the NHL landscape shifting rapidly, the timing and circumstances of this transaction have sparked widespread speculation. Was there more to the Maple Leafs’ decision than meets the eye? Could this unexpected development be the start of a larger chess game between two of hockey’s most storied franchises?

As fans and analysts search for answers, one thing is certain: the full story behind this surprising move is far from simple. Read on to discover what’s really at stake and why this moment could shape the season ahead.

Photo of Kent Hughes, Canadiens and Maple Leafs logos

Photo credit: Habsfanatics/NHL

It wasn’t just Montreal Canadiens fans who were surprised to see Samuel Blais claimed by the Toronto Maple Leafs last week.

That was also the case for Kent Hughes, as reported by the site DLC.

In a recent interview with TSN 690 Montreal, the Canadiens’ general manager revisited the Maple Leafs’ acquisition from about ten days ago and admitted that he really didn’t expect Blais to end up with the Toronto organization.

It’s very rare to see Kent Hughes comment on such topics, but he let slip a very interesting answer here.

Let’s remember that the Maple Leafs could have signed him to a contract on July 1, during the opening of free agency, but instead opted for the services of Michael Pezzetta.

In the end, the friendly, curly-haired mustachioed player who proudly wore the bleu-blanc-rouge sweater was also placed on waivers and began the season in the American Hockey League.

Kent Hughes admits he was very surprised to see the Toronto Maple Leafs acquire Samuel Blais

Clearly, that changed the Canadiens’ plans.

As for Samuel Blais, he’ll be reunited with a very familiar face – head coach Craig Berube – who coached him with the St. Louis Blues.

They even had the chance to lift the Stanley Cup together in 2019, and one might wonder whether Berube was behind Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving’s decision to claim Blais off waivers.

But according to Kent Hughes, he believes it was rather the number of injuries within the team that prompted the Leafs to call upon the services of the Montmagny-born forward, rather than his past connection with the former NHL enforcer.

Martin St-Louis also commented on the situation:

“These are tough decisions. We knew that this kind of thing could happen. I wish him the best. He’s a good hockey player.” – Martin St-Louis

Now, the question is how long Samuel Blais will remain in the lineup of a team chasing its first Stanley Cup since 1967.