Maple Leafs Place Forward Sammy Blais On Waivers

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Sammy Blais shoots the puck during 2025 game.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have placed forward Sammy Blais on waivers as the organization activated Auston Matthews and Nicolas Roy from injured reserve. 

The transaction required clearing roster space, leading to Blais hitting the wire and rookie Jacob Quillan being reassigned to the Toronto Marlies of the AHL. With Matthews and Roy set to return against the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Leafs needed immediate flexibility.

Blais lands on waivers after limited opportunity

Blais registered one goal and two assists through eight games with the Maple Leafs after being claimed off waivers from the Montreal Canadiens on October 6. 

The 29-year-old winger signed a one-year deal with Montreal on July 1 but never secured a full-time NHL spot. 

He brings a physical element and familiarity with head coach Craig Berube, having won the 2019 Stanley Cup together with the St. Louis Blues, but the Leafs’ returning firepower pushed him out of the lineup picture. 

Leafs choose roster depth ahead of return to full strength

Meanwhile, Quillan’s brief stint in the NHL earned praise from teammates and coaches for his speed and compete level, though he did not record a point in two games. 

His waiver-exempt status made him the logical assignment as Matthews, Roy, and Matthew Knies return to action. If Blais clears waivers, he’s expected to report to the Marlies.

With Toronto getting healthy again, roster battles will intensify as the team pushes deeper into the season. Whether Blais remains within the organization now depends on whether another club claims him over the next 24 hours.

Photo Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images