Dizzying start to season for Rocket left-winger Samuel Blais

The seven weeks Samuel Blais spent in Toronto weren’t all that bad. He got back to the NHL with the Maple Leafs and he lived in a furnished condo arranged by the organization.

Fortunately for the 29-year-old forward, he was only renting. Experience taught him not to buy.

“It’s part of the business,” Blais said this week. “It has always been that way. We don’t make the decisions. Our job is to produce on the ice. Whether you play in the AHL or the NHL, you have to bring your best. That’s what I’m trying to do.”

Although he spent all of last season in the AHL with Abbotsford — and won a Calder Cup — the Canadiens signed the 6-foot-2, 203-pound veteran to a one-year, US$775,000 free-agent contract on July 1. Selected in the sixth round (176th overall) by St. Louis in 2014, the Montmagny native has more than 200 games of NHL experience.

It was viewed as a depth move, and Blais was figured to be nothing more than a 13th forward in Montreal. And if it didn’t work out with the Canadiens, he would add valuable experience to the AHL affiliate in Laval.

Blais was cut by the Canadiens at the end of training camp. But before he could be demoted to the Rocket, he was claimed on waivers by the Leafs on Oct. 6. The move reunited Blais with Toronto head coach Craig Berube. The Blues won the Stanley Cup in 2019.

But Blais played only eight games for the Leafs, scoring a goal and adding two assists. He was waived by Toronto and reclaimed by the Canadiens on Nov. 27 and is playing with Laval.

“It hasn’t been easy mentally,” Blais said. “I enjoyed my time in Toronto and it gave me the opportunity to get back to the NHL and play some games. I think I proved I can still play there.

“But when I signed here, I thought I was going to be here, even though I got sent down at training camp. I was happy to be close to home. I’m really happy with the opportunity the Leafs gave me. I have nothing bad to say against them. I’m just happy to be here, and all my focus is on the Rocket.”

After his stint in Toronto, Blais has 265 games in the NHL, with 28 goals and 74 points. He also spent time with the New York Rangers.

Blais made an immediate impact with Laval last weekend during road games at Lehigh Valley and Hershey, both Rocket victories.

Blais scored twice against Lehigh Valley, including the tying goal in the final minute of regulation. He then scored the only goal in the shootout as Laval prevailed 5-4. The next afternoon at Hershey, Blais had two assists in a 4-3 win.

Although there was speculation after his weekend success that Blais would be recalled by the Canadiens, he remains in Laval and contributed an assist in the Rocket’s 4-1 win against Providence at Place Bell on Tuesday night. Blais has been on a line with captain Lucas Condotta and Xavier Simoneau.

While Laval head coach Pascal Vincent said he doesn’t know how long he’ll have Blais, he’s aware the left-winger adds a valuable piece to an already talented roster.

“I’ve always been a fan of Sammy Blais,” said Vincent, a former head coach with the Columbus Blue Jackets. “I got to appreciate him when he played in St. Louis and we were playing against him. He’s great at the net, one of the best I’ve seen deflecting pucks. He has good hands and can be physical. That’s unique. A big guy with tremendous hands? Usually it’s a rare combination. He can make plays under pressure, but when there’s a hit to be made, he makes it.

“He didn’t play much in Toronto … but he got to skate quite a bit. His conditioning is good and he has the right attitude. He won in the NHL, won in our league. He’s an interesting player. We’re fortunate to have him back.”

Blais has 202 games of AHL experience along with 71 goals and 150 points in the minors. He had 14 goals and 40 points with Abbotsford last season and wasn’t surprised to make a quick transition to his new team last weekend.

“I just came in and tried to help the team win,” he said. “I want to go back to the NHL; that’s my goal. I’ll just try to play my game and see what happens. If I play my game and play good, I’m sure good things will happen.”

Laval (15-6) is first in the North Division and on a five-game winning streak. The Rocket, winners of 10 of its last 12, is preparing for games at Belleville this Friday and Saturday.

hzurkowsky@postmedia.com

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