The Montreal Canadiens have been no strangers to dramatic roster moves, but the latest twist has left fans and insiders reeling. In a whirlwind of speculation and emotion, Quebec native Samuel Blais found himself at the center of a storm, his tenure with the Canadiens ending almost as quickly as it began.
Within mere hours of being placed on waivers, Blais was snatched up by the Toronto Maple Leafs—a move that has sparked intense debate and disappointment throughout Montreal’s hockey circles.
Yet, as the news rippled through social media and locker rooms, many began to wonder: Was this just a matter of bad luck, or was there something deeper at play?
Seasoned journalists and keen observers have pointed to a surprising connection that may have influenced Toronto’s decision—a link that goes beyond simple statistics and recent performances.
Some believe this claim was orchestrated behind the scenes, with personal relationships and championship memories quietly guiding the outcome.
As opinions clash and emotions run high, one question remains unanswered: Did the Canadiens make a costly mistake, or was this an unavoidable consequence of the business side of hockey? The full story behind Samuel Blais’s sudden departure is more complex than it first appears. Read on to uncover the real reasons and reactions.
Photo credit: All Habs / NHL
It seems that Samuel Blais’ time with the Montreal Canadiens was short-lived.
Less than 24 hours after being placed on waivers by the Habs, the Quebec forward was claimed by the Toronto Maple Leafs – news that has saddened many around the team.
However, according to several observers, this decision was not a coincidence.
TVA Sports journalist Renaud Lavoie revealed that the connection between Blais and Toronto comes directly from Craig Berube, the new head coach of the Maple Leafs.
Craig Berube Played a Key Role in the Claiming of Samuel Blais
Indeed, Blais and Berube know each other very well, as they lifted the Stanley Cup together in St. Louis in 2019.
“Craig Berube always praised Samuel Blais when he was coaching him with the St-Louis Blues so it’s not a big surprise that they’ll work again together.”
– Renaud Lavoie
Craig Berube always praised Samuel Blais when he was coaching him with the @StLouisBlues so it’s not a big surprise that they’ll work again together.
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) October 6, 2025
For his part, Étienne Ferland believes the Canadiens made a mistake in letting Blais go:
“In my opinion, the CH made a mistake in the Samuel Blais case. There was still a spot for him in Montreal. He showed some very good things during the camp and would have provided great depth to the offense.
Plus, he’s heading to Toronto.”
– Étienne Ferland
Selon moi, le CH a fait une erreur dans le dossier Samuel Blais. Il restait une autre place à Montréal pour lui. Il a démontré de très belles choses pendant le camp et aurait représenté une belle profondeur à l’attaque.
En plus, il part à Toronto.
— Etienne Ferland (@EtienneFerland) October 6, 2025
Personally, I think this is an unfortunate loss for Montreal. I completely agree with what Ferland said on the matter.
Blais had shown a lot of energy and could have been valuable in a supporting role with the Canadiens or even with the Laval Rocket.
News
Three days after my surgery, I saw my husband and sister kiss through my hospital window. I didn’t confront them, I set traps. What I did next made them wish they’d never betrayed me.
Three days post-op, I watched my husband kiss my sister. Thirty-seven floors below my room. The Glasswald Hospital window was…
I opened my husband’s laptop to order pizza—but found a secret wedding folder… with him and another woman in wedding dress. I didn’t confront him. I baked his mother’s favorite cake… and walked into their wedding with a smile—and a secret that made the entire room stop breathing.
The cursor pulsed like a heart monitor on a flatline—steady, indifferent—waiting for the shock that would jolt my life apart….
On my 10-hour flight, I had paid extra for an aisle seat near the front. A woman carrying a baby asked me to trade for her middle seat in the very last row. I declined politely. She let out a dramatic sigh and announced, “Wow, no heart,” for everyone to hear. I stayed composed, signaled the flight attendant, and quietly requested police presence. By the time they arrived, she finally discovered what “no heart” truly meant.
David Miller had been looking forward to this trip for weeks. After endless late nights at the office in San…
I arrived unannounced to see my pregnant daughter—only to discover her collapsed on the floor. At that very moment, her husband was on a yacht with another woman. I sent him six words, and he turned pale instantly
I never thought a simple afternoon would unravel into a nightmare, leaving me in a sterile hospital corridor, my hands…
After my father died, my sister claimed the house without hesitation, leaving me with nothing more than his battered old wristwatch. Just days after the funeral, she shoved my belongings into a suitcase and ordered me out. With nowhere to go and fear clawing at me, I dialed our family lawyer. I thought he would console me. Instead, he gave a dry laugh. “I knew this was coming,” he said. “Your father foresaw every bit of it. Meet me at my office tomorrow morning—what he left for you is going to change everything
The night after my father’s funeral, I sat on the sagging couch of our family home, holding nothing but his…
My parents insisted that my sister take the first walk down the aisle in a white dress. I kept my smile and agreed to all of it. But on the wedding day, when she showed up in her lavish designer gown, security blocked her at the door. My father roared that they had funded the entire wedding—until my fiancé calmly smiled and delivered one line that silenced my whole family
Thunder cracked against the glass of the reception hall, sharp and electric, as if the sky itself wanted a front-row…
End of content
No more pages to load
