Blais was selected by the St. Louis Blues with the 176th overall pick, although it was never anticipated that he would stay. He needed to work on his skating. His vision, others thought, lacked innovation. Yet he built out a space by sheer tenacity and force. By merging aggressive forechecking with a remarkably gentle pair of hands, he proved particularly valuable in tight-checking games where space shrinks quickly.

Over the years, he’s played for various NHL organizations, including the Blues, Rangers, Maple Leafs, and most recently, the Montreal Canadiens. Every stint had a similar pattern: trust at first, dependable minutes, followed by a sudden waiver. It occurred once more in February of this year.

Waived by Montreal. For the third time this season.

For some players, waivers represent a career checkpoint. They’ve turned into a recurrent subplot for Blais. Toronto made the claim. waived once more. Reclaimed by Montreal. Now he’s exposed to the rest of the league once more.

Nevertheless, he continues to be extremely effective in his role despite the rotation. His physical presence on the rink is incredibly effective at throwing off opponents’ rhythms. His forechecking, always aggressive, sets the tone amid sluggish starts. His ability to transform a defensive scramble into offensive zone time has dramatically improved since his early days in St. Louis.

In recent games before the waiver, Blais recorded five points in 13 appearances with the Habs. Nothing headline-grabbing. However, witnessing him in person reveals a more nuanced tale. He pulls attention away from skilled players who flourish in open ice by absorbing contact and returning it twice as forcefully.

Timing is what complicates his most recent waiver move. The Canadiens were adjusting roster priorities. With prospects like Joshua Roy demanding playing time and veterans returning from injury, someone has to make room. Blais is also the easiest person to put on the transactional chopping block because he doesn’t demand a guaranteed role or produce loud numbers.

But that overlooks context.

Blais scored nine points in nine AHL games while playing for Laval. incredibly convincing proof that he can deliver if given regular ice time. His play at that level didn’t just stand out—it provoked comments in press boxes and locker rooms alike. Teammates appreciate him. Coaches respect his effort. Front offices, though, seem unsure.

It’s easy to forget that Blais was a Stanley Cup winner. In 2019, he played a supporting role during one of the NHL’s most physically grueling playoff runs. He didn’t flinch then. He doesn’t flinch now.

One can’t help but believe his skill set is going increasingly neglected. As the league swings toward pace and scoring density, players who thrive on grinding shifts and enforcing tempo are discreetly pushed to the margins. That said, when playoff hockey arrives—where space compresses and whistles disappear—players like Blais become vital again.

For early-stage teams still establishing their bottom-six identity, Blais represents a low-risk, high-effort addition. He’s already experienced in high-pressure circumstances and surprisingly reasonably priced. Teams like Arizona, Anaheim, or perhaps Calgary might benefit from his kind of depth presence.

The way he reacts is the most notable. He doesn’t sulk. He doesn’t pull away. He starts working. I recall a picture from a practice in New York in 2023. Snow was falling gently, and Blais, helmet off, was helping a novice fix his shoulder pads. No coaches around. No media. Just a pro, being dependable.

In the next weeks, it’s probable he’ll be claimed. or not. If he clears waivers, he’ll likely return to Laval and continue to lead by example—tracking pucks, finishing checks, and making life unpleasant for opposition defenders.

I can’t get rid of the feeling that he should have a little more permanence, though. A little stability. A locker room he can finally call his for more than 30 games.

Every club looking to play meaningful hockey in April needs someone like Samuel Blais, even though he may never lead a team in goals or assists. Exceptionally durable, emotionally grounded, and always—always—ready.

It’s not ostentatious.

It’s not loud.

But it matters.

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