Samuel Blais’s remarks to TVA Sport Gatineau have drawn attention this week, with the forward expressing disappointment over his previous tenure with the Montreal Canadiens. Speaking from the Ottawa Senators’ training camp on September 19, 2026, Blais articulated his belief that he merited better treatment from the Montreal organization.
Blais recently signed a two-season contract with the Ottawa Senators and is currently striving to secure a roster spot. His comments, reported by TSLH, reflect frustrations stemming from his time with the Canadiens, where he was submitted to waivers and spent half of a recent season with their American Hockey League affiliate, the Laval Rocket.
The Quebec-born player has not been a regular in the NHL since the 2023-2024 season, partly due to various injuries. Despite being considered ‘too good’ for the minor leagues whenever he was sent to the AHL, as TSLH noted, his opportunities at the NHL level remained limited. Blais views his current camp with the Senators as an attempt to prove his capability for the league.
Navigating Roster Challenges
In his statement to TVA Gatineau, Samuel Blais explicitly voiced his conviction that he had demonstrated his ability to play in the National League. ‘Last year, I think I proved to myself that I’m still capable of playing in the National League,’ Blais said. ‘I think in Montreal I had some good moments, even sometimes I played better than others, but they still demoted me.’
TSLH highlighted several factors contributing to Blais’s limited role in Montreal. The Canadiens reportedly had an excess of forwards, including Alexandre Texier and Joe Veleno, and maintained a certain regard for veteran Brendan Gallagher, which made it challenging for coach Martin St-Louis to integrate Blais into the lineup. Even when injuries affected the team, young prospects were often given auditions over Blais.
Furthermore, the organization’s treatment of Blais extended to the 2026 playoffs. Despite the Laval Rocket being eliminated, the Canadiens did not include Blais among the ‘black aces’—reserve players called upon for potential playoff action—opting instead for prospects like Beck, Engstrom, Reinbacher, and F. Xhekaj. TSLH described this as a revealing indicator of the team’s assessment of Blais.
Impact on Player Trajectories and Team Dynamics
This scenario underscores the highly competitive nature of professional ice hockey and the intricate decisions that general managers and coaching staff must make regarding player personnel. For athletes, navigating waivers, minor league assignments, and the pursuit of a consistent NHL role is a common challenge, often requiring resilience and the ability to seize new opportunities. Such player movements and roster decisions within the National Hockey League, a league with a significant international player base, constantly shape team dynamics and can influence the careers of players from various countries, impacting the league’s global talent pool and competitive balance.
The Ottawa Senators’ training camp, where Blais made his remarks, has seen numerous players and coach Travis Green addressing the media. NHL.com reported on September 19, 2026, that several Senators players, including Sammy Blais, Travis Green, William Eklund, and Drake Batherson, were available to the media before an exhibition game against the Montreal Canadiens. Others like Thomas Chabot, Claude Giroux, and Shane Pinto also spoke to reporters after practice sessions at the camp.
The situation illustrates the often-turbulent path for players on the fringe of an NHL roster, especially those returning from injury or competing for limited spots. Blais’s current position with the Senators represents a fresh start as he aims to establish himself back in the top league.
As the Ottawa Senators’ training camp progresses, observers will be watching closely to see if Samuel Blais can successfully carve out a consistent role with his new team, putting his past frustrations behind him and proving his critics wrong. His performance in the coming weeks will be key to his bid for an NHL return.
Image: NHL.com
Sources consulted
- TVA Sports: Fin amère avec le Canadien: Samuel Blais tempère ses propos
- NHL.com: Sammy Blais dispo médias avant le match contre MTL
- TSLH: Samuel Blais lance une flèche aux Canadiens durant le camp chez les Sénateurs
Bruno Kadez is a sports writer focused on performance, competition, and athlete insights. He covers major sporting events, player analysis, and trending stories across leagues. His reporting captures both the data and the emotion behind the game.
