Imagine the buzz of excitement as the NHL season is about to ignite, and the Toronto Maple Leafs pull off a couple of savvy moves to strengthen their lineup – but is this the smart play or a risky gamble that could shake up the team's dynamics? Let's dive into the details of how the Leafs claimed goalie Cayden Primeau and winger Sammy Blais off waivers, while parting ways with veteran James Reimer, and explore what it all means for their opening night roster.
Right before the final rosters are locked in for the start of the NHL campaign, the Toronto Maple Leafs decided to add some extra depth by picking up Sammy Blais and Cayden Primeau through the waiver process. For those new to hockey lingo, waivers are like a marketplace where teams can claim players from other squads without compensation, often to fill gaps or add talent – it's a strategic tool that can make or break a team's preparation.
Blais, a winger known for his solid defensive skills and earning $775,000 this season, was scooped up from the Montreal Canadiens. Primeau, who has spent his entire career as a backup goalie with the Canadiens, inked a one-year deal for the same salary with the Carolina Hurricanes before this waiver claim brought him to Toronto. Both players now have a special status: they can't be demoted to the American Hockey League (AHL) – that's the minor league level where prospects hone their skills – without going through waivers again. With rosters set to be finalized soon, it's probable that Blais and Primeau will slot right into the Leafs' main squad, providing valuable support roles.
Blais shares a notable history with Leafs head coach Craig Berube, having played under him for three out of his four seasons with the St. Louis Blues. Together, they celebrated a Stanley Cup victory in 2019, with Blais contributing in 15 playoff games. Last season, however, Blais didn't see any NHL action, instead racking up 51 games in the AHL with the Abbotsford Canucks. This background could give him an edge in adapting to Berube's coaching style.
Adding Blais might mean that young prospect Easton Cowan gets sent down to the AHL's Toronto Marlies to begin the year. Cowan was listed as the 13th forward in Monday's practice session, and while he's impressed Berube during training camp, there might be some caution about plunging him straight into the NHL without any professional game experience. Berube's system emphasizes physical play and aggressive forechecking – think relentless pressure on the puck to disrupt opponents – and Cowan's lack of pro games could make that a tough transition. But here's where it gets controversial: Is it fair to sideline a promising rookie like Cowan for a more seasoned player like Blais, or should the Leafs give youth a chance to shine? This decision could spark debates among fans about balancing experience with fresh talent.
Blais, on the other hand, fits the bill perfectly. He's got that gritty edge, unafraid to dive into the forecheck and battle for the puck, making him a reliable option for Berube's high-energy style. For beginners, imagine forechecking as hockey's version of a blitz in football – it's about overwhelming the other team before they can organize.
Primeau might not be far behind in seeing NHL ice time. With starting goalie Joseph Woll sidelined due to a personal family matter, the Leafs' netminding situation has a big question mark hanging over it. To address this, the team released NHL veteran and former Leaf James Reimer from his professional tryout agreement on Monday. Reimer, who has a wealth of experience in the league, was brought in as a potential stopgap, but the waiver claims have shifted the focus.
Currently, Dennis Hildeby serves as the Leafs' No. 2 goalie and is exempt from waivers, meaning he could potentially step up to start for the Marlies in the AHL. Hildeby has only logged six NHL games so far, so he's still building his resume. Primeau, however, is just one year removed from a solid stint with the Canadiens, where he appeared in 23 NHL games and boasted a .910 save percentage in the 2023-24 season. Last year, his outings dropped to 11 games with a 2-3-1 record and a lower .836 save percentage, but he dominated in the AHL with the Laval Rocket, going 21-2-2 and posting a .927 save percentage. This track record suggests he's ready to contribute at the highest level.
And this is the part most people miss: Primeau could very well serve as the backup to Anthony Stolarz right from the season's outset. The Leafs face their first back-to-back games in their third and fourth matches, hosting the Detroit Red Wings and Nashville Predators at home. Primeau might even get the nod to start in one of those contests, giving him a chance to prove his mettle early on.
The Leafs kick off their season on Wednesday with a home game against the Montreal Canadiens, setting the stage for an intriguing start.
Dated October 6, 2025
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What do you think about these roster moves? Do you agree with prioritizing veterans like Blais and Primeau over younger players like Cowan, or should the Leafs take a bolder risk on unproven talent? And is releasing Reimer a smart cut, or does it overlook the value of experience in a goaltending crisis? Share your thoughts in the comments – let's debate whether this waiver strategy will pay off or backfire for the Leafs!
