Canucks Release Former QMJHL Forward from PTO

Today, the Vancouver Canucks have announced they’ve released former QMJHL forward Sammy Blais from his professional tryout (PTO).

The 28-year-old winger has 257 games of NHL regular season games under his belt. During this time, he has amassed 27 goals and 71 points. He also has a ring from the Blues’ 2019 Stanley Cup run where he contributed with a goal and three points.

A few seasons later, he was sent to the New York Rangers alongside a second round pick in the trade that sent Pavel Buchnevich to the Blues. After only 54 games with the Rangers across two seasons, Blais was shipped back to the Blues as part of the package return that sent Vladimir Tarasenko and Niko Mikkola to the Rangers.

Before the start of his NHL career, Blais spent three seasons in the QMJHL. He began his career with the Victoriaville Tigres, who selected him with the 129th overall pick in the 2013 QMJHL draft. He spent two and a half seasons with them and was dealt to the Charlottetown Islanders in middle of the 2015-16 season.

Overall, Blais scored 71 goals and recorded 178 points in 149 regular season games in the QMJHL. He also added six goals and 25 points in 20 postseason games.

The Blues drafted Blais with the 176th pick in the 2014 NHL draft. Despite being cut from the Canucks’ roster, we can expect the high energy forward to find a gig elsewhere, whether that be on another NHL team or overseas in Europe.

Related: Blues Sign Former QMJHL Prospect to One-Year Contract

Related: Last Weekend: Former QMJHL Goaltender Creed Jones Remembered by Olympiques, Océanic