Canucks Sign Sammy Blais to AHL Deal & PTO

The Vancouver Canucks have made another move, as they have signed forward Sammy Blais to an AHL deal. In addition, the Canucks have signed Blais to a professional tryout (PTO) contract.

Vancouver Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin announced today that F Sammy Blais has signed a contract with Abbotsford (AHL) and has also been invited to Vancouver Canucks training camp (PTO). pic.twitter.com/AyYXvYYClC

— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) August 22, 2024

With these moves, the Canucks will at least have Blais in their system on AHL deal with the Abbotsford Canucks. However, if he impresses during the preseason, he could earn himself a two-way or one-way NHL deal with Vancouver. If he does, it would open the door for him to be called up to their NHL roster. 

Blais spent this past season with the St. Louis Blues, where he had one goal, seven points, 194 hits, and a minus-11 rating. While it was a quiet year offensively for the 28-year-old, he has shown in the past that he can be a bigger scoring threat. For example, following being traded by the New York Rangers to the Blues in 2022-23, he had nine goals and 20 points in 31 games. 

Overall, there is no harm in the Canucks taking a shot on Blais. At a minimum, he will be a solid veteran forward for their AHL affiliate. However, if he does well in training camp and earns himself an NHL deal, he would give them another solid option for their bottom six. We will need to wait and see what happens with the gritty forward from here.

photo credit: © Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports