The Toronto Maple Leafs surprised fans earlier this week by claiming forward Samuel Blais off waivers from the Montreal Canadiens . A major factor behind this move was the strong bond between Blais and Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube , who previously coached him with the St. Louis Blues. Their ongoing trust and mutual respect played a key role in Blais’ decision to embrace a fresh NHL opportunity in Toronto.
Craig Berube’s connection a key factor in Samuel Blais’ move to the Toronto Maple Leafs
Samuel Blais, 29, brings both size and experience to the Maple Leafs roster, standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 206 pounds. Over 257 NHL games, he has tallied 71 points and participated in 27 playoff contests. His familiarity with Berube, who coached him in St. Louis, made Toronto an appealing destination after being claimed off waivers.
Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports explained the connection: “Craig Berube was his coach with the St. Louis Blues and has always spoken highly of him. So it’s not a big surprise that they’re working together again.” Blais echoed this sentiment, stating, “When you win with a coach, you build a special bond. Even when I wasn't playing for him anymore, we kept texting each other. He's always been honest with me, both when things were going well and when they weren’t.”
Blais admitted he was disappointed to leave Montreal, where he had started to fit in with the locker room, but welcomed the chance to reunite with Berube and continue playing in the NHL. “I wanted another chance to play in the NHL, and now I’ve got it,” he said.
A new NHL opportunity and fresh start for Samuel Blais in Toronto Maple Leafs
Last season, Blais played primarily in the AHL, tallying 40 points in 51 games, while his 2022-23 stint with the Blues produced 20 points in 31 games. The move to Toronto offers him a renewed chance to re-establish himself at the NHL level while contributing depth and versatility to the Maple Leafs forward group.
This reunion also underscores the importance of player-coach relationships in roster decisions, highlighting how trust and past success can influence team strategy. By bringing in a player familiar with his system, Berube ensures Blais can seamlessly integrate into Toronto’s lineup and contribute immediately.
With his career now back on track, Samuel Blais’ move to Toronto is as much about opportunity and familiarity as it is about performance. The Maple Leafs have added a versatile forward who knows the system, trusts the coach, and is motivated to make an impact. Fans can look forward to seeing how Blais’ reunion with Berube shapes his next chapter in the NHL.
Also Read: Cam Atkinson to retire with Columbus Blue Jackets, signs one-day contract
Craig Berube’s connection a key factor in Samuel Blais’ move to the Toronto Maple Leafs
Samuel Blais, 29, brings both size and experience to the Maple Leafs roster, standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 206 pounds. Over 257 NHL games, he has tallied 71 points and participated in 27 playoff contests. His familiarity with Berube, who coached him in St. Louis, made Toronto an appealing destination after being claimed off waivers.
The Maple Leafs have claimed F Sammy Blais off waivers from Montreal and G Cayden Primeau off waivers from Carolina.
— Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) October 6, 2025
Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports explained the connection: “Craig Berube was his coach with the St. Louis Blues and has always spoken highly of him. So it’s not a big surprise that they’re working together again.” Blais echoed this sentiment, stating, “When you win with a coach, you build a special bond. Even when I wasn't playing for him anymore, we kept texting each other. He's always been honest with me, both when things were going well and when they weren’t.”
Craig Berube always praised Samuel Blais when he was coaching him with the @StLouisBlues so it’s not a big surprise that they’ll work again together.
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) October 6, 2025
Blais admitted he was disappointed to leave Montreal, where he had started to fit in with the locker room, but welcomed the chance to reunite with Berube and continue playing in the NHL. “I wanted another chance to play in the NHL, and now I’ve got it,” he said.
A new NHL opportunity and fresh start for Samuel Blais in Toronto Maple Leafs
Last season, Blais played primarily in the AHL, tallying 40 points in 51 games, while his 2022-23 stint with the Blues produced 20 points in 31 games. The move to Toronto offers him a renewed chance to re-establish himself at the NHL level while contributing depth and versatility to the Maple Leafs forward group.
This reunion also underscores the importance of player-coach relationships in roster decisions, highlighting how trust and past success can influence team strategy. By bringing in a player familiar with his system, Berube ensures Blais can seamlessly integrate into Toronto’s lineup and contribute immediately.
With his career now back on track, Samuel Blais’ move to Toronto is as much about opportunity and familiarity as it is about performance. The Maple Leafs have added a versatile forward who knows the system, trusts the coach, and is motivated to make an impact. Fans can look forward to seeing how Blais’ reunion with Berube shapes his next chapter in the NHL.
Also Read: Cam Atkinson to retire with Columbus Blue Jackets, signs one-day contract
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