Leafs Welcome Samuel Blais and Cayden Primeau After Waiver Claims

The Toronto Maple Leafs have bolstered their roster by claiming Samuel Blais and Cayden Primeau off waivers. The announcement came on October 6, 2025, and the two players participated in their first practice with the team in Toronto the following day. Their transition from the Montreal Canadiens to the Leafs marks a significant shift in their careers, especially given the fierce rivalry between the two franchises.

New Beginnings for Blais and Primeau

Both players were spotted in their new uniforms during practice, a moment captured in videos shared by sports journalist Renaud Lavoie on social media platform X. For fans, seeing Primeau in a Leafs jersey is particularly striking, as he has been associated with the Canadiens for several years. Many observers noted the oddity of the situation, reflecting on the strong rivalry between the teams.

Despite his quick transition to the Leafs, Primeau has a history of loyalty to his previous team. Even during his brief time in Carolina, he was seen wearing his old Canadiens helmet for games. Now, just a day after being claimed by the Leafs, he is already gearing up for a new chapter in his career.

The Leafs will face off against the Canadiens in their season opener on October 8, 2025. While it’s uncertain if Primeau will take the ice as part of the starting lineup, there is speculation about Blais’s potential impact. Known for his physical playing style, Blais could make a notable impression against his former team.

A Unique Rivalry and Fan Reactions

The sight of former Canadiens players donning Leafs colors has always elicited strong reactions among fans. Many recall similar instances, such as when Tomas Plekanec and Max Pacioretty joined the Leafs, which brought about a mix of surprise and nostalgia. This ongoing rivalry adds an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming game.

As the Leafs prepare for their home opener, head coach Scott Arniel provided an update on Jonathan Toews, who is currently dealing with an injury and is considered day-to-day. His availability for the game remains uncertain, which raises further questions about the team’s lineup.

The excitement surrounding the new acquisitions and the upcoming match underscores the ever-evolving dynamics of the NHL. Fans are eager to see how Blais and Primeau will integrate into the Leafs’ strategy and what they will bring to the ice as the season unfolds.