Toronto Maple Leafs Claim Two Players Off Waivers

Montreal Canadiens goaltender Cayden Primeau during 2024 game.

The Toronto Maple Leafs added two new faces to their roster Monday, claiming goaltender Cayden Primeau from the Carolina Hurricanes and forward Sammy Blais from the Montreal Canadiens off waivers. 

The moves provide Toronto with both goaltending depth and a familiar forward option for head coach Craig Berube. Primeau, 26, was traded from Montreal to Carolina this offseason for a seventh-round pick and was placed on waivers after the Hurricanes claimed goaltender Brandon Bussi.

Leafs Make Two Waiver Claims

Primeau spent most of last season with the AHL’s Laval Rocket, where he posted an impressive 21-2-3 record with a 1.96 goals-against average and a .927 save percentage. His NHL numbers were less encouraging, finishing 2-3-1 with a 4.70 GAA and an .836 save percentage in 11 games with the Canadiens. 

With Joseph Woll’s status uncertain and veteran James Reimer on a professional tryout, Primeau will likely compete with Dennis Hildeby for the backup job behind Anthony Stolarz as Toronto seeks stability in goal.

Blais, 29, joins Toronto on a one-year, $775,000 contract after signing with Montreal this offseason. The power forward reunites with Berube, who coached him during the St. Louis Blues 2019 Stanley Cup run. 

Blais spent last season in the AHL with the Abbotsford Canucks, tallying 40 points in 51 games and helping the team capture the Calder Cup. Bringing size and physicality, Blais gives Toronto additional flexibility on the wing and could serve as a 13th or 14th forward when the season begins.

Photo Credit:  David Kirouac-Imagn Images