Sammy Blais

June 2021—Though the Blues fell short this postseason, Blais performed better than most might have expected for a fourth-liner. The young left-winger chalked up eight goals and seven assists for a total of 15 points over the course of 36 games. Blais averaged 12 minutes of ice time and had a plus-minus of zero. Though his points are about the same as the 2019-2020 season, his shot percentage increased by 15 percent this season. While Blais is still searching for his breakout season, he still provides an offensive threat on the club’s bottom line. It would not be surprising to see Blais get some third-line minutes in the 2021-2022 season. CG Jones

November 2020 – Blais’ 2019-2020 campaign was his first full season with the big club. The hard-hitting forward has come a long way since being drafted in the sixth round in 2014 and has earned himself a role on the third line alongside Tyler Bozak. Although relatively small in stature, Blais has been a notable physical presence on the ice, throwing almost four hits per game and leading the Blues in that category. His offensive touch, however, hasn’t fully translated to the NHL level, as he has tallied six goals and seven assists in 40 games, all of which came at even strength. With that said, he suffered a few injuries that have intermittently sidelined him throughout the past season, which may have prevented him from finding an offensive rhythm. He should see an increase in offensive output next season if he manages to remain healthy. Lou Farah

June 2019 – Blais carved out a role with the Blues as a hard hitting forward. He showed the ability to adapt his play to what his team needed and that is what it may take for him to stick around in the NHL. Blais often brought energy to the team and worked hard every shift. He was rewarded for his hard work by recording one goal and two assists in 15 games. Pat Quinn

May 2019 – Blais has a rough end to the regular season. On March 12 he sustained an injury causing him to miss 11 games. Then he got healthy but was a scratch for the final 13 games of the season. That is tough on any player, especially a 22 year-old who is still trying to make his mark on the league. All Blais has done since breaking back into the lineup during the playoffs is record three points in eight games and found a way to impact almost every shift. It has been a marked turnaround for the young forward and well-deserved on his part. Pat Quinn

March 2018 – Blais is a prospect many were talking about coming into this season and for good reason. For the San Antonio Rampage, the 21-year-old has racked up 33 points in 34 games including 14 goals. Blais plays in virtually every situation for the Rampage. Even in games when he doesn’t register a point Blais always throws the puck on net currently being credited with 84 shots. Sadly, Blais’s NHL stints haven’t shared the same amount of success just yet. Most recently a concussion kept his call up to just one period. Blais is an exciting player to watch as he gives it his all each and every shift. Occasionally his overzealous play put himself in a bad position. Pat Quinn

December 2017 –  Blais continues to show he is a goal-scorer, at least at the AHL level.  In 12 games for the San Antonio Rampage Blais has scored six goals and eight assists.  Blais is still working toward his NHL game. In 10 games for the Blues, Blais has one goal and two assists.  Blais is presently on the Blues’ roster and has the potential to become an impactful goal-scorer at the NHL level one day.  Doug Abrams

September 2017 – Blais had a superb season for the Chicago Wolves of the AHL in his rookie season – 75 games he had 26 goals and 17 assistsincluding five PPGs.  Blais had an impressive AHL playoff run as well – in 10 playoff games he had three goals and five assists.  In training camp for the Blues he has already been getting rave reviews.  Blais is a pure goal-scorer.  He is facing a tough battle for a roster spot in 2017-2018.  On the first day of training camp, Blais was slotted with Stastny and Tarasenko.  After three days Blais was switched to a line w Steen and Fabbri.  Obviously, the Blues need more scorers; and Blais has gotten the Blues’ organization’s attention.  Blais has also impressed with the fact he plays a physical style.  Blais seems likely to make his NHL debut.  Although it’s the preseason and one should not make too much of a young player having a stellar preseason, Blais has been impressive. Doug Abrams

June 2016 – Blais enjoyed another productive year in the QMJHL for the 2015-2016 campaign, continuing to display is offensive ability. He was traded to Charlottetown midseason and was able to sustain his offensive production, which would suggest his numbers are not a product of environment. The small but speedy forward has been a point producing machine in the QMJHL. Blais signed a pro contract so it looks like his AHL debut will be coming soon. His performance with the Chicago Wolves will be a good indicator of what to expect. Monitor how well he handles the physicality and size of the AHL. If all goes well there, he could really turn into a nice point producing forward in the NHL. Matt Kowalski

April 2015 – Blais is an offensive minded winger that needs some polishing, particularly in his defensive game and size. He seems noticeably smaller than those with similar listed weight and height, so his printed size could be a stretch. He turned in a good season in the QMJHL with 34 goals and 48 assists. While these appear to be impressive, they are not necessarily signs of elite talent considering it happened in the Q. Still, it is nice to see him excel at this level and his progression appears to be going as expected. The real test will be when he turns pro and has to adjust to a bigger game, and his defensive mistakes are more glaring. Some people question his ability to sustain a career in NHL due to his lack of defensive ability and size. Blais is raw, but young, so he has plenty of time to improve his game. He needs a minimum of a year or two in AHL with the Chicago Wolves to be realistically considered for a call up to the NHL. Matt Kowalski