{{Short description|Canadian ice hockey player (born 1996)}} {{protection padlock|small=yes}} {{good article}} {{Use mdy dates|date=October 2024}} {{Infobox ice hockey biography | name = Sammy Blais | image = {{CSS image crop |Image=Sammy Blais.jpg |bSize=400 |cWidth=230 |cHeight=250 |oTop=20 |oLeft=40 |Location=center}} | image_size = 230px | caption = Blais with the St. Louis Blues in 2019 | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1996|6|17}} | birth_place = Montmagny, Quebec, Canada | height_ft = 6 | height_in = 2 | weight_lb = 205 | position = Winger | shoots = Left | league = NHL | team = Montreal Canadiens | prospect_team = Laval Rocket | prospect_league = AHL | former_teams = St. Louis Blues<br>New York Rangers<br>Toronto Maple Leafs | ntl_team = Canada | draft = 176th overall | draft_year = 2014 | draft_team = St. Louis Blues | career_start = 2016 | career_end = }} '''Samuel''' '''Blais''' (born June 17, 1996) is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who is a winger for the Laval Rocket of the American Hockey League while under contract to the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the sixth round, 176th overall, by the St. Louis Blues in the 2014 NHL entry draft. Blais has also previously played for the New York Rangers and Toronto Maple Leafs.
He played junior ice hockey with Trois-Rivières Estacades and Lévis Commandeurs in the Quebec Junior AAA Hockey League (QMAAA) before entering the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). He split his time between the Commandeurs and the Victoriaville Tigres before being selected 176th overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 2014 NHL entry draft. Blais spent three seasons in the QMJHL, the latter portion with the Charlottetown Islanders, before making his professional debut with the Chicago Wolves during the 2016–17 season.
Carrying his scoring touch from juniors, Blais helped the Wolves reach the postseason in his rookie year before eventually making his NHL debut on October 14, 2017. During his early years with the Blues organization, Blais alternated between the San Antonio Rampage and St. Louis consistently, resulting in hockey pundits jokingly referring to the highway between the two cities as the ''Sammy Blais Expressway''. As a member of the Blues, Blais helped the team capture their first Stanley Cup in franchise history in 2019.
==Early life== Blais was born on June 17, 1996, in Montmagny, Quebec<ref name = "EP">{{cite web |title=Samuel Blais |url=https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/213830/sammy-blais |website=Eliteprospects.com|access-date=May 21, 2020}}</ref> to parents Sébastien and Marie-Josée and siblings Étienne and Florence.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pinkert |first1=Chris |title=Blais excited for homecoming in Montreal |url=https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/blais-excited-for-homecoming-in-montreal/c-293674176?fbclid=IwAR0oKaqdaIKmr05JPHHDeMNEYSXTYSItRxEbZxhAKnVeydnt9BlOHu6soDs |via=NHL.com |publisher=St. Louis Blues|access-date=May 21, 2020 |date=December 4, 2017}}</ref> His older brother Étienne also plays hockey and last played for the Montmagny Décor Mercier in the Ligue Hockey Côte-Sud.<ref>{{cite web |title=Étienne Blais |url=https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/186629/etienne-blais |website=Eliteprospects.com|access-date=May 23, 2020}}</ref> Growing up, he played summer hockey with future NHL player Daniel Sprong until they were 10 or 11 years old.<ref>{{cite web |title=Islanders forwards Blais, Sprong played together as kids |url=https://chl.ca/lhjmq-islanders/islanders-forwards-blais-sprong-played-together-as-kids/|via=CHL.ca|publisher=Charlottetown Islanders|access-date=May 23, 2020 |date=December 29, 2015}}</ref>
==Playing career== ===Junior=== Blais began his junior ice hockey career playing with the Rive-Sud Express in Quebec, where he recorded 10 goals with 16 assists in 23 regular season games.<ref name = "HF">{{cite web |title=Samuel Blais |url=https://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospects/samuel-blais/ |website=Hockeysfuture.com|access-date=May 21, 2020}}</ref> He played in the 2008 and 2009 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournaments with the Rive-Sud Est and later Rimouski.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pee-Wee players who have reached NHL or WHA |url=https://www.publicationsports.com/ressources/files/439/Joueurs_Pro.pdf |publisher=Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament |access-date=May 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306085544/https://www.publicationsports.com/ressources/files/439/Joueurs_Pro.pdf |archive-date=March 6, 2019|date=2018|page=11}}</ref> During the summer of 2012, Blais attended the Lévis Commandeurs training camp but failed to make the jump to AAA midget.<ref name = "Ducharme">{{cite news |last1=Ducharme |first1=Nicolas |title=Repêchage de la LNH: la surprise d'une vie pour Samuel Blais |url=https://www.lenouvelliste.ca/sports/repechage-de-la-lnh-la-surprise-dune-vie-pour-samuel-blais-0a54a7f93c2fa52de482e7111cbdd44a |access-date=May 21, 2020 |newspaper=Le Nouvelliste |date=July 2, 2014 |language=French}}</ref> As this was his second time failing to make the final roster, Blais stated he "thought it was the end of my hockey career."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Chaumont |first1=Jean-François |title=Samuel Blais: Une Belle Histoire |url=https://www.tvasports.ca/2017/12/05/samuel-blais-fan-no-1-de-carey-price |website=TVA Sports|access-date=May 21, 2020 |language=French |date=December 5, 2017}}</ref> Instead, he caught the attention of general manager Frédéric Lavoie of Trois-Rivières Estacades who, after listening to praise from his assistant Pascal Luneau and scout Jean-Philippe Glaude, signed him to their team.<ref name = "Ducharme"/> Blais competed with the Trois-Rivieres during the 2012–13 season, where he recorded 16 goals and 24 assists to help them qualify for the Quebec Junior AAA Hockey League (QMAA) playoffs.<ref name = "HF"/>
Blais was originally selected 129th overall in the 2013 Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Entry Draft by the Victoriaville Tigres<ref name = "HF"/> but was reassigned to the Commandeurs out of the Tigres' training camp.<ref>{{cite web |title=5 joueurs retranchés par les Tigres |url=https://chl.ca/lhjmq-tigres/5-joueurs-retranch-s-par-les-tigres/|publisher=Victoriaville Tigres|access-date=May 21, 2020 |language=French |date=August 26, 2013|via=CHL.ca}}</ref> At the time of his draft selection, Blais stood at 5'9 but was praised for having "undeniable potential for development."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chauvette |first1=Ghyslain |title=Un potentiel de développement indéniable |url=https://www.lanouvelle.net/Sports/Hockey/2014-06-30/article-3781541/«Un-potentiel-de-developpement-indeniable»/1 |access-date=May 21, 2020 |newspaper=La Nouvelle Union |date=June 30, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814180325/https://www.lanouvelle.net/Sports/Hockey/2014-06-30/article-3781541/%26laquo%3BUn-potentiel-de-developpement-indeniable%26raquo%3B/1 |archive-date=August 14, 2014}}</ref> After spending the remainder of the 2013–14 season split between the Commandeurs and the Tigres, Blais was chosen in his first year of eligibility by the St. Louis Blues in the sixth round, 176th overall, of the 2014 NHL entry draft.<ref>{{cite web |title=Strickland: Breaking down the Blues' 2014 draft class |url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/other/strickland-breaking-down-the-blues-2014-draft-class|work=Fox Sports |access-date=May 21, 2020 |date=June 30, 2014}}</ref> Blais was unaware he had been drafted and only learned through Twitter. He impressed the coaches during the Blues' Development Camp during the summer and earned an invitation to their training camp in September.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dubé |first1=Kevin |title=Le parcours improbable de Samuel Blais |url=https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2015/03/08/le-parcours-improbable-de-samuel-blais |access-date=May 23, 2020 |newspaper=Le Journal de Montréal |date=March 8, 2015 |language=French}}</ref>
Blais rejoined the Tigres for the 2014–15 season where he posted a career high 82 points in 61 games. After losing in the playoffs, Blais signed an Amateur Tryout Agreement (ATO) with the St. Louis Blues' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Chicago Wolves, on April 22, 2015.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wolves add seven ahead of Game 1 |url=https://www.chicagowolves.com/2015/04/22/wolves-add-seven-ahead-of-game-1/|publisher=Chicago Wolves |access-date=May 23, 2020 |date=April 22, 2015}}</ref> He was eventually released from his contract,<ref>{{cite web |title=Wolves make roster moves |url=https://www.chicagowolves.com/2015/04/26/wolves-make-roster-moves-7/|publisher=Chicago Wolves |access-date=May 23, 2020 |date=April 26, 2015 |archive-date=September 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918085445/https://www.chicagowolves.com/2015/04/26/wolves-make-roster-moves-7/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> and attended the Blues' Prospect Camp in July.<ref>{{cite web |title=St. Louis Blues Prospect Camp Starts Today|url=https://www.stlouisgametime.com/2015/7/6/8900763/st-louis-blues-prospect-camp-starts-today|website=SB Nation|access-date=May 23, 2020 |date=July 6, 2015|last=Astorian|first=Laura}}</ref> He rejoined the Tigres for his final junior season where he led the team in scoring. By November 14, 2015, Blais was signed to a three-year entry-level contract with the St. Louis Blues.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.thescore.com/news/880642 | title = Blues sign Blais to entry-level deal | website = theScore | date = November 14, 2015 | access-date = November 14, 2015 | last = Vaswani | first = Navin}}</ref> He produced 40 points in 30 games before he was dealt by the Tigres to the Charlottetown Islanders on December 20, 2015.<ref>{{cite web |title=Islanders acquire Blais from Victoriaville for Goulet |url=https://chl.ca/lhjmq-islanders/islanders-acquire-blais-from-victoriaville-for-goulet/|publisher=Charlottetown Islanders |access-date=May 23, 2020 |date=December 20, 2015|via=CHL.ca}}</ref>
Upon his arrival with the Islanders, Blais continued his scoring prowess and spent time on their penalty kill.<ref>{{cite web |title=Blais helped to ignite Islanders' offence in second half |url=https://chl.ca/lhjmq-islanders/blais-helped-to-ignite-islanders-offence-in-second-half/|publisher=Charlottetown Islanders|via=CHL.ca |access-date=May 23, 2020 |date=March 7, 2016}}</ref> Blais continued his offensive output in leading the Islanders to finish with a combined 82 points in just 63 games.<ref name = "EP"/> His scoring helped lead the Islanders to the QMJHL Quarter-finals against the Shawinigan Cataractes, where they lost in six games.<ref>{{cite web |title=Isles' season comes to an end in Shawinigan |url=https://chl.ca/lhjmq-islanders/isles-season-comes-to-an-end-in-shawinigan/|publisher=Charlottetown Islanders |access-date=May 23, 2020 |date=April 17, 2016|via=CHL.ca}}</ref> At the conclusion of the season, Blais was nominated for the teams' Offensive Player of the Year Award and Three Stars Award.<ref>{{cite web |title=2016 Fan Choice Awards Winners |url=https://chl.ca/lhjmq-islanders/2016-fan-choice-awards-winners/|publisher=Charlottetown Islanders |access-date=May 23, 2020 |date=March 15, 2016|via=CHL.ca}}</ref> When reflecting on his years playing junior hockey, Blais has stated "I was not really a physical player....But when I came into pro hockey, ‘Chief’ (Berube) told me I was a big guy, I could use my shoulders more. I started doing it, and I think it was another aspect to my game. When I started using it, I became a better player. I think that's why I'm in the NHL today."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Thomas |first1=Jim |title=Blues' Blais has found a home in St. Louis |url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/hockey/professional/blues-blais-has-found-a-home-in-st-louis/article_63b2d5d6-3d30-5f8c-9e42-5e72ba214b4f.html |access-date=May 21, 2020 |newspaper=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=April 18, 2020}}</ref>
===Professional===
====St. Louis Blues==== Embarking on his professional career, Blais was assigned by the St. Louis Blues to American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Chicago Wolves, for the 2016–17 season.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wolves Announce 2016-17 Opening Night Roster |url=https://www.chicagowolves.com/2016/10/13/wolves-announce-opening-night-roster/|publisher=Chicago Wolves |access-date=May 23, 2020 |date=October 13, 2016}}</ref> He recorded two shots on goal during his AHL debut on October 14, 2016, against the Grand Rapids Griffins<ref>{{cite web |title=Tale of the Tape: October 15, 2016 vs. Grand Rapids |url=https://www.chicagowolves.com/2016/10/15/tale-tape-oct-15-2016-vs-grand-rapids/|date=October 15, 2016 |publisher=Chicago Wolves |access-date=May 23, 2020}}</ref> and consistently played on a line with Magnus Pääjärvi and Wade Megan.<ref>{{cite web |title=Tale of the Tape: Nov. 4, 2016 vs. Milwaukee |url=https://www.chicagowolves.com/2016/11/04/tale-of-the-tape-nov-4-2016-vs-milwaukee/|date=November 4, 2016 |publisher=Chicago Wolves |access-date=May 25, 2020}}</ref> While with this pairing, he recorded his first professional goal on November 5, in a 4–2 win over the Griffins.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wolves Clip Griffins 4-2 |url=https://www.chicagowolves.com/2016/11/05/wolves-clip-griffins-4-2/|publisher=Chicago Wolves |access-date=May 25, 2020 |date=November 5, 2016}}</ref> Blais carried over his scoring ability from junior to lead the Wolves in scoring with 26 goals in 75 games.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wolves Roundup: May 1-7, 2017 |url=https://www.chicagowolves.com/2017/05/01/wolves-roundup-may-1-7-2017/|publisher=Chicago Wolves |access-date=May 23, 2020 |date=May 1, 2017}}</ref> He helped the team qualify for the 2017 Calder Cup playoffs, where they lost in five games to the Griffins in the Central Division Finals.<ref>{{cite web |title=Griffins Take Game 5 to End Wolves' Calder Cup Hopes |url=https://www.chicagowolves.com/2017/05/13/griffins-take-game-5-end-wolves-calder-cup-hopes/|publisher=Chicago Wolves |access-date=May 23, 2020 |date=May 13, 2017}}</ref>
After attending the Blues training camp the following summer, Blais with a strong showing was potentially earmarked to make NHL roster for the 2017–18 season.<ref name = "Debut">{{cite news |last1=Timmermann |first1=Tom |title=Blues notebook: Blais goes cross-country to make NHL debut |url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/hockey/professional/blues-notebook-blais-goes-cross-country-to-make-nhl-debut/article_4c0b10aa-00d8-5f52-a8d9-b1291c44e57d.html |access-date=May 23, 2020 |newspaper=St. Louis Post-Dispatch|date=October 14, 2017}}</ref> He played with the Blues for their preseason games, during which he was hit from behind by Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson. This resulted in Wilson receiving a five-minute major, a game misconduct, and a hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety.<ref>{{cite web |title=Capitals' Tom Wilson to have hearing for hit on Blues' Sam Blais |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/capitals-tom-wilson-hearing-hit-blues-sam-blais/ |website=Sportsnet.ca|access-date=May 23, 2020 |date=October 2, 2017}}</ref> However, he was among the Blues final cuts and was reassigned to open the season with the San Antonio Rampage of the AHL.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/blues-have-23-man-roster-set-for-opening-night/c-291509958 | title = Blues have 23-man roster set for Opening Night | publisher = St. Louis Blues| date = October 2, 2017 | access-date = October 2, 2017 | via = NHL.com}}</ref> After playing in two games with the Rampage, Blais received his first call-up to the NHL,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pinkert |first1=Chris |title=Blues recall Blais from San Antonio |url=https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/blues-recall-blais-from-san-antonio/c-291884688 |via=NHL.com |publisher=St. Louis Blues|access-date=May 23, 2020 |date=October 13, 2017}}</ref> forcing him to travel cross-country and arrive in Tampa Bay.<ref name = "Debut"/> He made his NHL debut that night on October 14, 2017, in a 2–1 defeat to the Tampa Bay Lightning<ref>{{cite web |title=Kucherov scores in 5th straight game, Lightning beat Blues |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap/_/gameId/400961667 |website=ESPN.com |access-date=May 23, 2020 |date=October 15, 2017}}</ref> and recorded his first career NHL goal on November 26, to help the Blues win 6–3 over the Minnesota Wild.<ref>{{cite web |title=Jaden Schwartz scores twice, Blues beat Wild 6-3 |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/jaden-schwartz-scores-twice-blues-beat-wild-6-3/|work=CBS Sports|access-date=May 23, 2020 |date=November 25, 2017}}</ref> While playing with the Blues on December 16, against the Winnipeg Jets, he suffered a lower body injury<ref>{{cite web |last1=Solomon |first1=David |title=Winnipeg Jets stymied by hot goalie in loss to St. Louis Blues |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/3921466/winnipeg-jets-stymied-by-hot-goalie-in-loss-to-st-louis-blues/ |website=Global News |access-date=May 23, 2020 |date=December 17, 2017}}</ref> and missed two weeks to recover. Upon his return to the lineup on January 5, he was reassigned to the Rampage.<ref>{{cite web |title=Blues activate Blais from IR, assign him to Rampage |url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/other/blues-activate-blais-from-ir-assign-him-to-rampage |work=Fox Sports|access-date=May 23, 2020 |date=January 5, 2018}}</ref> He played in the AHL alongside Tage Thompson and Zach Sanford before being recalled for the fifth time to the NHL level on February 19, 2018.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Timmermann |first1=Tom |title=Blues notebook: Blais is back again |url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/hockey/professional/blues-notebook-blais-is-back-again/article_e2388be5-9b5b-5a7e-8b53-b75947e0e098.html |access-date=May 23, 2020 |newspaper=St. Louis Post-Dispatch|date=February 19, 2018}}</ref> Overall, Blais alternated between San Antonio and St. Louis six times throughout the season, resulting in some reporters to joking refer to the highway between the two cities as the ''Sammy Blais Expressway.''<ref>{{cite news |last1=Thomas |first1=Jim |title=Blais wants to work back into the mix for Blues |url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/hockey/professional/blais-wants-to-work-back-into-the-mix-for-blues/article_b8a3d137-5760-5fe8-9673-e788846e316b.html |access-date=May 23, 2020 |newspaper=St. Louis Post-Dispatch|date=September 4, 2018}}</ref>
thumb|Blais holding a miniature Stanley Cup during the 2019 Stanley Cup parade. Blais was once again invited to the St. Louis Blues training camp prior to the 2018–19 season,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pinkert |first1=Chris |title=Blues to begin training camp on Sept. 14 |url=https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/blues-to-begin-training-camp-on-sept-14/c-299894596|via=NHL.com |publisher=St. Louis Blues |access-date=May 23, 2020 |date=September 10, 2018}}</ref> and recorded four goals in four games during their pre-season games.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pinkert |first1=Chris |title=Blues giving Blais a good look in preseason |url=https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/blues-giving-blais-good-look-in-preseason/c-300469592|via=NHL.com |publisher=St. Louis Blues |access-date=May 23, 2020 |date=September 28, 2018}}</ref> His efforts were noticed and he cracked the Blues' opening night roster against the Winnipeg Jets.<ref name="Blues roster set for Opening Night">{{cite web |last1=Pinkert |first1=Chris |title=Blues roster set for Opening Night |url=https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/blues-roster-set-for-opening-night/c-300554418 |via=NHL.com |publisher=St. Louis Blues|access-date=May 23, 2020 |date=October 2, 2018}}</ref> His assignment was short-lived as he was reassigned to the Rampage on October 23, 2018, after playing in eight games.<ref>{{cite web |title=Blais assigned to San Antonio |url=https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/blais-assigned-to-san-antonio/c-301206478 |via=NHL.com |publisher=St. Louis Blues |access-date=May 23, 2020 |date=October 23, 2018}}</ref> He spent nine games at the AHL level, registering two goals and 16 penalty minutes, before earning a recall to the NHL.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Sammy Blais Recalled to St. Louis |url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/sammy-blais-recalled-to-st-louis/n-5419444|publisher=San Antonio Rampage|via=OurSportsCentral.com|access-date=May 23, 2020 |date=November 15, 2018}}</ref> Once again, Blais spent the season alternating between the AHL and NHL as the Blues qualified for the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs. Blais made his playoffs debut in Game 6 of the Second Round of the Western Conference and recorded his first NHL playoff goal to push the series to seven games.<ref>{{cite web |title=Blues' Berube Wins Big Bet on Blais|url=https://thehockeywriters.com/st-louis-blues-berube-bet-on-blais/|website=TheHockeyWriters.com |access-date=May 23, 2020 |date=May 6, 2019|last=Ground|first=Stephen}}</ref> Blais and the St. Louis Blues eventually won the 2019 Stanley Cup Final against the Boston Bruins, to bring St. Louis their first Stanley Cup in franchise history.<ref name = "Stanley Cup">{{cite web |last1=Pickens |first1=Pat |title=Blais scrubs Stanley Cup before parade in Quebec hometown |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/sammy-blais-spends-day-with-stanley-cup/c-308408316 |website=NHL.com|date=July 31, 2019|access-date=May 23, 2020}}</ref>
Blais was one of the many members of the Blues' Stanley Cup winning team who returned to their opening night roster for the 2019–20 season.<ref name="Blues roster set for Opening Night"/> He impressed coach Craig Berube at the beginning of the season and was assigned a top line position alongside David Perron and Ryan O'Reilly.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Korac |first1=Lou |title=Sammy Blais running with prominent new role for Blues |url=https://www.ksdk.com/article/sports/nhl/blues/sammy-blais-blues-offense-top-line/63-97a544d5-f8dd-4832-89fc-c696f08b7c43 |website=KSDK |access-date=May 23, 2020 |date=October 6, 2019}}</ref> After playing in 20 games and recording eight points, Blais missed 10 weeks to recover from wrist surgery as a result of an injury suffered during a 3–1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning.<ref>{{cite web |title=Blues forward Sammy Blais to miss at least 10 weeks with wrist injury |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/blues-forward-sammy-blais-miss-least-10-weeks-wrist-injury/ |website=Sportsnet.ca|access-date=May 23, 2020 |date=November 20, 2019}}</ref> He returned to the Blues lineup on January 28, 2020, for a game against the Calgary Flames, after missing 28 games.<ref>{{cite web |title=Blues' Sammy Blais returns after 28-game absence due to wrist surgery |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/28586810/blues-sammy-blais-returns-28-game-absence-due-wrist-surgery |website=ESPN.com |access-date=May 23, 2020 |date=January 28, 2020}}</ref> While the NHL was suspended due to COVID-19, he signed a two-year, $3 million contract extension with the Blues.<ref>{{cite web |title=Blues, Blais agree to two-year extension |url=https://www.tsn.ca/st-louis-blues-sammy-blais-agree-to-two-year-extension-1.1466755 |website=TSN.ca|access-date=May 21, 2020 |date=April 15, 2020}}</ref>
When the NHL returned for the 2020–21 season, Blais made the Blues' opening night roster against the Colorado Avalanche. During the first game of the season, Blais illegally checked Devon Toews's head and was subsequently given a two-minute penalty for elbowing.<ref>{{cite web |title=Blais to have hearing for actions in Blues game |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/sammy-blais-to-have-hearing-for-actions-in-st-louis-game/c-320274604 |website=NHL.com|access-date=January 14, 2021 |date=January 14, 2021}}</ref> Following the game, Blais was suspended for two games and forfeited $25,862.06 to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.<ref>{{cite web |title=Blais suspended two games for actions in Blues game |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/blues-sammy-blais-suspended-two-games/c-320291026 |website=NHL.com|access-date=January 15, 2021 |date=January 14, 2021}}</ref>
====New York Rangers==== On July 23, 2021, Blais was traded, along with a 2022 second-round pick, to the New York Rangers in exchange for Pavel Buchnevich.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.nhl.com/rangers/news/rangers-acquire-sammy-blais-and-second-round-pick-in-2022-nhl-entry-draft/c-325753422 | title = Rangers Acquire Sammy Blais and Second-Round Pick in 2022 NHL Entry Draft | publisher = New York Rangers | date = July 23, 2021 | access-date = July 23, 2021 | via = NHL.com}}</ref> He registered four assists in 14 games before suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) on November 15 against the New Jersey Devils after he was dangerously slew-footed by P. K. Subban. Blais was ruled out for the remainder of the 2021–22 season.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stephenson |first1=Colin |title=Rangers lose forward Sammy Blais to apparent knee injury |url=https://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/rangers/rangers-devils-blais-gallant-r51487|website=Newsday |access-date=November 16, 2021 |date=November 15, 2021}}</ref>
====Return to St. Louis==== [[File:St. Louis Blues at Seattle Kraken - 2024-01-26 - Matty Beniers and Sammy Blais (53492336993).jpg|thumb|Blais checking Matty Beniers of the Seattle Kraken in 2024.]] On February 9, 2023, Blais was traded back to the Blues as part of a package for former teammates Niko Mikkola and Vladimir Tarasenko.<ref>{{cite web |title=Tarasenko traded to Rangers by Blues |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/vladimir-tarasenko-traded-to-new-york-rangers-by-st-louis-blues/c-340859794|last=Gulitti|first=Tom |website=NHL.com |date=February 9, 2023 |access-date=February 9, 2023 |archive-date=February 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209195931/https://www.nhl.com/news/vladimir-tarasenko-traded-to-new-york-rangers-by-st-louis-blues/c-340859794 |url-status=live}}</ref> On March 2, Blais was signed to a one-year contract extension.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pinkert |first1=Chris |title=Blais agrees to one-year contract extension |url=https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/blais-agrees-to-one-year-extension-with-blues/c-341721626|publisher=St. Louis Blues|via=NHL.com |access-date=March 2, 2023 |date=March 2, 2023}}</ref>
====Abbotsford Canucks==== At the conclusion of his contract with St. Louis Blues, Blais ended his second tenure with the club by leaving as a free agent. Un-signed over the summer, Blais later agreed to a one-year AHL contract with the Abbotsford Canucks on August 22, 2024.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://theahl.com/news/canucks-sign-blais-to-ahl-contract| title = Canucks sign Blais to AHL contract | publisher =American Hockey League | date = August 22, 2024 | accessdate = August 22, 2024}}</ref> He was simultaneously invited to attend NHL affiliate, the Vancouver Canucks, 2024 training camp on a professional tryout (PTO).<ref>{{Cite tweet|user=Canucks|number=1826661967253369256|date=August 22, 2024|title=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).}}</ref> On September 30, Blais was released from the PTO after failing to make the team in camp.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kuzma |first=Ben |date=September 30, 2024 |title=Canucks: Sammy Blais released from PTO after facing long roster odds |url=https://theprovince.com/sports/hockey/nhl/vancouver-canucks/sammy-blais-released-pto |access-date=September 30, 2024 |newspaper=The Province}}</ref> On June 23, 2025, Blais won the Calder Cup as a member of the Abbotsford Canucks.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kuzma |first=Ben |date=June 23, 2025 |title=Abbotsford Canucks: The journey really was the adventure to capture 2025 Calder Cup crown |url=https://theprovince.com/sports/hockey/nhl/vancouver-canucks/abbotsford-canucks-the-journey-was-capture-2025-ahl-calder-cup-title |access-date=June 23, 2025 |newspaper=The Province}}</ref>
====Toronto Maple Leafs==== Entering the offseason as an unrestricted free agent, Blais agreed to a one-year contract with the Montreal Canadiens on July 1, 2025.<ref>{{cite web |title=One-year contracts for Samuel Blais and Kaapo Kahkonen|url=https://www.nhl.com/canadiens/news/one-year-contracts-for-samuel-blais-and-kaapo-kahkonen-july-1-2025|publisher=Montreal Canadiens|date=July 1, 2025|access-date=July 1, 2025|via=NHL.com}}</ref> However, before playing a game for Montreal, Blais was claimed off waivers by the Toronto Maple Leafs on October 6, reuniting him with former Blues head coach Craig Berube.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/maple-leafs-claim-goaltender-cayden-primeau-sammy-blais-off-waivers/ |title=Maple Leafs claim goaltender Cayden Primeau, Sammy Blais off waivers |website=Sportsnet.ca |date=October 6, 2025 |access-date=October 6, 2025}}</ref>
====Montreal Canadiens==== After appearing in eight games for the Leafs and recording three points, Blais was again placed on waivers and subsequently claimed by the Canadiens in late November.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/canadiens/news/samuel-blais-claimed-off-waivers-nov-27-2025|title=Samuel Blais claimed off waivers|publisher=Montreal Canadiens|via=NHL.com|date=November 27, 2025|access-date=December 7, 2025}}</ref> Due to underlying provisions in the NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement, he immediately joined the team's AHL affiliate Laval Rocket.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.habseyesontheprize.com/montreal-canadiens-claim-samuel-blais-off-waivers/|title=Montreal Canadiens claim Samuel Blais off waivers, send him to Laval Rocket|website=SB Nation|date=November 27, 2025|access-date=December 7, 2025|last=Book|first=Jared}}</ref>
==International play== {{MedalTableTop|name=}} {{MedalCountry|{{ih|CAN}}}} {{MedalSport|Ice hockey}} {{MedalCompetition|World Championships}} {{MedalGold|2023 Finland/Latvia|}} {{MedalBottom}} In May 2023, Blais was named to the Canadian senior national team for the annual IIHF World Championship<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/news/group-named-for-mens-worlds-2022-23-nmt|title=20 players named to Canada's National Men's Team for 2023 IIHF World Championship|publisher=Hockey Canada|date=May 5, 2023 |access-date=May 5, 2023}}</ref> where he registered six goals and two assists in ten games.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/team-canada/men/national/2022-23/world-championship/stats/player-profile?playerid=19053|title=2023 IIHF World Championship - Sammy Blais|publisher=Hockey Canada|access-date=August 27, 2025}}</ref> During the ensuing tournament final, he scored two goals, including the game-winner, to help his country win a gold medal.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/sports/blais-scores-2-as-canada-downs-germany-5-2-for-record-28th-title-at-hockey/article_1e581c51-16a8-5dda-a5e5-e3cb6f14e0d0.html|title=Blais scores 2 as Canada downs Germany 5-2 for record 28th title at hockey worlds |work=The Canadian Press |date=May 28, 2023 |access-date=May 28, 2023}}</ref>
==Career statistics== ===Regular season and playoffs=== {| border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="text-align:center; width:60em;" |- bgcolor="#e0e0e0" ! colspan="3" bgcolor="#ffffff"| ! rowspan="101" bgcolor="#ffffff"| ! colspan="5"|Regular season ! rowspan="101" bgcolor="#ffffff"| ! colspan="5"|Playoffs |- bgcolor="#e0e0e0" ! Season ! Team ! League ! GP !! G !! A !! Pts !! PIM ! GP !! G !! A !! Pts !! PIM |- | 2012–13 | Trois-Rivières Estacades | QMAAA | 42 || 16 || 24 || 40 || 42 | 10 || 8 || 4 || 12 || 4 |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2013–14 | Lévis Commandeurs | QMAAA | 21 || 12 || 23 || 35 || 12 | — || — || — || — || — |- | 2013–14 | Victoriaville Tigres | QMJHL | 25 || 4 || 10 || 14 || 0 | 4 || 0 || 1 || 1 || 0 |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2014–15 | Victoriaville Tigres | QMJHL | 61 || 34 || 48 || 82 || 50 | 4 || 2 || 3 || 5 || 4 |- | 2015–16 | Victoriaville Tigres | QMJHL | 30 || 17 || 23 || 40 || 19 | — || — || — || — || — |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2015–16 | Charlottetown Islanders | QMJHL | 33 || 16 || 26 || 42 || 14 | 12 || 4 || 15 || 19 || 14 |- | 2016–17 | Chicago Wolves | AHL | 75 || 26 || 17 || 43 || 58 | 10 || 3 || 5 || 8 || 18 |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2017–18 | San Antonio Rampage | AHL | 42 || 17 || 23 || 40 || 38 | — || — || — || — || — |- | 2017–18 | St. Louis Blues | NHL | 11 || 1 || 2 || 3 || 6 | — || — || — || — || — |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2018–19 | St. Louis Blues | NHL | 32 || 2 || 2 || 4 || 6 | 15 || 1 || 2 || 3 || 10 |- | 2018–19 | San Antonio Rampage | AHL | 26 || 8 || 10 || 18 || 55 | — || — || — || — || — |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2019–20 | St. Louis Blues | NHL | 40 || 6 || 7 || 13 || 20 | 8 || 1 || 3 || 4 || 12 |- | 2020–21 | St. Louis Blues | NHL | 36 || 8 || 7 || 15 || 12 | 4 || 1 || 0 || 1 || 4 |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2021–22 | New York Rangers | NHL | 14 || 0 || 4 || 4 || 17 | — || — || — || — || — |- | 2022–23 | New York Rangers | NHL | 40 || 0 || 5 || 5 || 8 | — || — || — || — || — |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2022–23 | Hartford Wolf Pack | AHL | 5 || 4 || 0 || 4 || 8 | — || — || — || — || — |- | 2022–23 | St. Louis Blues | NHL | 31 || 9 || 11 || 20 || 22 | — || — || — || — || — |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2023–24 | St. Louis Blues | NHL | 53 || 1 || 6 || 7 || 31 | — || — || — || — || — |- | 2024–25 | Abbotsford Canucks | AHL | 51 || 14 || 26 || 40 || 44 | 23 || 6 || 13 || 19 || 77 |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2025–26 | Toronto Maple Leafs | NHL | 8 || 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 | — || — || — || — || — |- |- bgcolor="#e0e0e0" ! colspan="3"|NHL totals ! 265 !! 28 !! 46 !! 74 !! 126 ! 27 !! 3 !! 5 !! 8 !! 26 |}
===International=== {| border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" ID="Table3" style="text-align:center; width:40em" |- bgcolor="#e0e0e0" ! Year ! Team ! Event ! Result ! rowspan="99" bgcolor="#ffffff"| ! GP !! G !! A !! Pts !! PIM |- | 2023 | Canada | WC | {{gold1}} | 10 || 6 || 2 || 8 || 6 |-bgcolor="#e0e0e0" ! colspan="4"|Senior totals ! 10 !! 6 !! 2 !! 8 !! 6 |}
==Awards and honours== {| class="wikitable" ! Award ! Year ! Ref |- ! colspan="3"|NHL |- | Stanley Cup champion | 2019 | <ref name = "Stanley Cup"/> |- ! colspan="3" |AHL |- | Calder Cup champion | 2025 |<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Abbotsford Canucks capture Calder Cup with Game 6 win over Charlotte Checkers |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/abbotsford-canucks-capture-calder-cup-with-game-6-win-over-charlotte-checkers/|date=June 24, 2025|access-date=June 24, 2025 |website=Sportsnet.ca}}</ref> |}
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== * {{Ice hockey stats}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Blais, Samuel}} Category:1996 births Category:Living people Category:21st-century Canadian sportsmen Category:Abbotsford Canucks players Category:Canadian expatriate ice hockey players in the United States Category:Canadian ice hockey left wingers Category:Charlottetown Islanders players Category:Chicago Wolves players Category:Hartford Wolf Pack players Category:Ice hockey people from Chaudière-Appalaches Category:Laval Rocket players Category:Montreal Canadiens players Category:New York Rangers players Category:People from Montmagny, Quebec Category:San Antonio Rampage players Category:St. Louis Blues draft picks Category:St. Louis Blues players Category:Stanley Cup champions Category:Toronto Maple Leafs players Category:Victoriaville Tigres players