Toronto Maple Leafs add two new players on NHL roster deadline day
The Toronto Maple Leafs are adding a pair of players ahead of the season.
On Monday, the Leafs announced that they have claimed forward Sammy Blais and goaltender Cayden Primeau on waivers.
Blais was claimed from the Montreal Canadiens roster, while Primeau, a former Habs goalie himself, was claimed from the Carolina Hurricanes.
All 32 NHL teams must submit their opening-day roster by 5 p.m. EDT today.
Blais played seven seasons for the St. Louis Blues and New York Rangers, winning the Stanley Cup with the former under Leafs coach Craig Berube. He has 27 goals and 44 assists in 257 games across his career.
While the Leafs claimed Primeau from the Hurricanes, he also has Montreal ties. In parts of six seasons with the Canadiens, Primeau put up a record of 13-24-7 with a goals against average of 3.69 and a save percentage of .884 in 55 games.
The Leafs kick off their season on Wednesday night against the Canadiens.
Will either new player play much for the Leafs?
It’s hard to see too much opportunity for the two new faces, though they’re more likely to slot in the lineup in the coming weeks while the team sorts out its preferred roster.
Primeau seems to be an insurance pickup on account of goaltender Joseph Woll currently away from the Leafs on a leave of absence.
Meanwhile, Blais is on a league-minimum contract, meaning he is easy to slot into the lineup if some NHL experience is needed, but he’s been far from a star during his time in the league so far. Expect him to contribute mostly in the Leafs’ bottom-six, but he isn’t exactly screaming long-term fit as a waiver-wire pickup.
In any case, we’ll soon see what exactly Toronto’s plans are for the two new faces.
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