Breaking: Massive News As Vancouver Canucks General Manager Lands Key 71 Pointer To “PTO”
An experienced forward is seeking a chance in the western part of the league.
On Thursday, Patrik Allvin, general manager of the Vancouver Canucks, revealed that the team has extended an invitation to forward Sammy Blais to join their training camp on a professional tryout basis. Additionally, Blais has signed a contract with the Abbotsford Canucks, Vancouver’s main AHL affiliate.
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, concluding his second stint with the team that originally drafted him in the sixth round, 176th overall, in the 2014 NHL Draft. During the 2023-24 season, the depth winger played only 53 games, recording one goal and six assists. This marked his lowest total in both games and points in a single season over the past two years.
The Montmagny, Quebec native was traded back to the Blues from the New York Rangers in February 2023, in a trade that sent Vladimir Tarasenko and Niko Mikkola to the Rangers. This was the second time Blais was traded between these teams; St. Louis had previously sent him to the Rangers in July 2021 as part of the deal that brought Pavel Buchnevich to the Blues.
During his first stint with the Blues, Blais was known as a reliable depth player capable of contributing secondary scoring, a role he showcased during the 2019 playoffs when he was integral to the team’s Stanley Cup win.
In his NHL career, Blais has played 257 games, scoring 27 goals and adding 44 assists for a total of 71 points. In 27 playoff games with St. Louis, he has recorded three goals and eight points.
Before his recent return to the Blues, Blais played for the Rangers’ AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, and also spent time with the San Antonio Rampage while with the Blues’ organization. In 148 AHL games, he scored 55 goals and 50 assists, and added eight points in 10 Calder Cup Playoff games.
Blais is now aiming to secure a spot on the Canucks’ roster. Currently, Vancouver has 22 of the 23 allowable players on their active NHL roster and 47 of the 50 contracts for next season. According to CapWages, the team has just $965,833 in available cap space.