Maple Leafs Acquire Primeau, Blais via Waivers; Reimer Released

Just before the final rosters are set for the start of the NHL season, the Toronto Maple Leafs bolstered their lineup by claiming Sammy Blais and Cayden Primeau off waivers.

Blais, a defensive winger with a $775,000 contract, was acquired from the Montreal Canadiens. Primeau, a backup goalie, signed a one-year deal with the Carolina Hurricanes after playing his entire career with the Canadiens.

Both Blais and Primeau cannot be sent to the AHL without clearing waivers again. It is expected that they will be added to the Leafs' roster for depth as opening night approaches.

Blais has a history with Leafs head coach Craig Berube, having played under him during his time with the St. Louis Blues. Blais won a Stanley Cup in 2019 under Berube's coaching. He did not play in the NHL last season but had 51 games in the AHL.

The addition of Blais may lead to Easton Cowan being sent to the AHL's Toronto Marlies at the start of the season. Cowan, who was the 13th forward in a recent practice, has impressed during training camp, but there are concerns about his readiness for the physical demands of the coach's system without pro experience.

Blais is seen as a better fit for that role due to his gritty style of play and willingness to engage in forechecking.

Primeau could see NHL action soon, especially with uncertainty surrounding the team's goaltending. With Joseph Woll absent for personal reasons and James Reimer released from a tryout, Dennis Hildeby could return to the Marlies. Primeau, who played 11 games for the Canadiens last season, is a viable backup option with his recent NHL experience and strong AHL performance.

Primeau might back up Anthony Stolarz at the beginning of the season, potentially starting a game during the Leafs' first back-to-back matches against the Detroit Red Wings and Nashville Predators. The Leafs kick off their season at home against the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday.