Seven year NHL veteran hits rock bottom after being terminated from his PTO in Vancouver

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Tyler Ball
September 30, 2024 (4:46 PM)

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The NHL preseason has continued to roll along and today the Vancouver Canucks announced that they have released NHL veteran Sammy Blais from his tryout.

The NHL preseason is a time for young players and veterans to try and earn a roster spot for the upcoming season. In Vancouver NHL veteran Sammy Blais was brought in on a PTO contract. After surviving the first few rounds of cuts from the Canucks the announcement was made today by General Manager Patrik Allvin that Sammy Blais has been released.

According to a report from a Canucks source Sammy Blais wasn't out of place with the Canucks but did not outplay those in front of him enough to earn an opportunity.

Throughout his NHL career, Sammy Blais has been seen as a consistent reliable depth piece. He began his career with the St. Louis Blues after being selected in the 6th round of the NHL Draft. After several successful seasons in St. Louis, he was sent to the New York Rangers. Last season he returned to St. Louis where he played 53 games and tallied 7 points.

After not earning an NHL contract Sammy Blais will now need to figure out his next steps in professional hockey. At 28 years old Sammy Blais seems to now be heading to the AHL with the Abbotsford Canucks.

This should be an avenue for Sammy Blais to earn his way back into the NHL at some point this season. He impressed in his preseason appearances and if there are injuries or underperforming players Sammy Blais' experience and ability to play in various roles could earn him an NHL contract.