A veteran forward is looking for an opportunity out west.
On Thursday, Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin announced the team has invited forward Sammy Blais to training camp on a professional tryout. Blais also signed an American Hockey League contract with Vancouver’s primary affiliate, the Abbotsford Canucks.
Vancouver Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin announced today that F Sammy Blais has signed a contract with Abbotsford (AHL) and has also been invited to Vancouver Canucks training camp (PTO). pic.twitter.com/AyYXvYYClC
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) August 22, 2024
Blais is coming off a season with the St. Louis Blues, finishing up his second stint with the franchise that originally took him in the sixth round, 176th overall, in the 2014 NHL Draft. The depth winger played just 53 games during the 2023-24 campaign, scoring a goal and six assists. It was the least number of games and points Blais had scored in a single season in two years.
The Montmagny, Quebec native was traded to the Blues from the New York Rangers in February 2023, in a deal that sent Vladimir Tarasenko and Niko Mikkola to the Rangers. It was the second time Blais was involved in a trade between the two teams, as St. Louis sent him to the Rangers in July 2021, with Pavel Buchnevich going the other way.
Blais's NHL Journey
During his first tenure with the Blues, Blais earned a reputation as a solid depth piece who can provide secondary scoring. That was noticeable during the 2019 playoffs, when Blais was a crucial part of the team that went on to win the franchise’s first and, so far, only Stanley Cup.
In 257 NHL games, Blais has scored 27 goals and 44 assists for 71 points. In 27 playoff appearances, all with St. Louis, he has notched three goals and eight points.
Blais's AHL Experience
Prior to returning to the Blues two seasons ago, Blais spent time with the Rangers’ AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack. In 148 AHL games, including some in San Antonio while with the Blues’ organization, he registered 55 goals and 50 assists, with eight points coming in 10 Calder Cup Playoff games.
Blais's Path to the Canucks
Blais will look to earn a spot on the Canucks’ roster. As it stands, Vancouver has 22 of a possible 23 players on the active NHL roster, with 47 of a potential 50 contracts signed for next season. According to CapWages, the team has just $965,833 in available cap space.
Canucks' Offseason Moves
The addition of Blais is one of several changes the Canucks have made this offseason. They were able to improve their forward group thanks to the signings of Jake DeBrusk, Daniel Sprong, Kiefer Sherwood, and Danton Heinen. They also made some changes to their blue line, adding Vincent Desharnais and Derek Forbort to help make up for the losses of Nikita Zadorov and Ian Cole.
Blais's Role on the Canucks
Though Blais figures to be on the outside looking in when it comes to cracking the Canucks roster, getting him signed with Abbotsford gives them some extra depth on forward. He also serves as somewhat of a replacement for Vasily Podkolzin, who was dealt to the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round pick. With the Canucks looking to make a push for the playoffs, Blais could potentially be a key contributor in their quest to make the post-season.
