Story by
Maple Leafs Shore Up Goaltending Depth Among 2 Waiver Claims
- Story by
- Maple Leafs Shore Up Goaltending Depth Among 2 Waiver Claims
Eric Bolte-Imagn Images Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
Apparently, the Toronto Maple Leafs weren't ready to go into the season with a backup combination of untested Dennis Hildeby and 35-year-old James Reimer in goal. They have reached onto the waiver wire on Monday to claim former Montreal Canadiens ' netminder Cayden Primeau .
Primeau was plucked off the Carolina Hurricanes ' camp roster, and he provides more depth between the pipes for the Leafs. Toronto still doesn't have a timeline for when Joseph Woll may return from his personal leave. But perhaps this move indicates that maybe they understand it'll be a lot longer than expected before he's back.
Advertisement
Leafs acquire solid backup depth in goal
If something were to happen to starter Anthony Stolarz—who does have an injury history—they wanted a little more insurance in the crease as a backup.
Primeau was in camp with the Hurricanes after being acquired in a draft day trade for a sixth-round pick.
Although he had a rough go of it in Montreal last season, getting into only 11 games and posting an .836 save percentage, Primeau proved himself as a solid backup in 2023-24 with the Habs, posting a .910 Sv% in 23 appearances with a 2.99 goals against average.
Leafs acquire Berube favorite in physical forward Sammy Blais
The Leafs also claimed left-winger Sammy Blais off the waiver wire from the Canadiens. He spent last year helping the Abbotsford Canucks to the Calder Cup in the AHL with 40 points in 51 regular-season games. He also posted 19 points in 23 postseason contests for the Canucks.
Advertisement
But Blais isn't known for his goal-scoring. Leafs head coach Craig Berube is quite familiar with the 29-year-old, as the depth defensive winger played four seasons for him with the St. Louis Blues , across two stints. He's a Berube favorite, playing a very physical, high-energy game and is a tenacious forechecker. His performance in the AHL last year shows he can put some points on the board as well.
Blais has registered 835 hits in just 237 NHL games in only 11 minutes average ice time per night.
A couple of solid adds for the Buds as they get set to finalize their opening night roster.
Related Headlines
Advertisement
