Canadiens Prospect Blais Thriving with Laval Rocket after AHL Stint
Laval, QC - Forward Brandon Blais is finding his stride with the Laval Rocket, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens, after a brief period with the Toronto Marlies. Blais, who signed a one-year contract with Montreal in July, expressed his contentment at returning to the Canadiens’ organization and playing closer to home.
Blais’s journey reflects a player persistent to solidify his position within a competitive system. After previously contributing to the St. Louis Blues’ Stanley Cup run and experiencing success with the Rocket last season, the opportunity to join his hometown team proved pivotal. “When you have a really good team, and when you have a chance to sign with your hometown team, I think it’s an easy decision,” Blais said. “I’m glad I did.”
The Canadiens are banking on Blais to replicate the consistent performance he demonstrated last spring. Rocket head coach Vincent highlighted Blais’s unique skillset, noting his ability to blend physicality with skillful play. “He was so good during those series [with St. Louis],” Vincent remarked. “He’s got great hands, but he can be physical at the same time. I think he can bring something that is hard to find.”
Vincent emphasized key areas for Blais’s continued development: “We need to see consistency in those areas. One-on-one battles. Getting to the net. Driving plays. Being reliable defensively. What he’s good at is he can shoot the puck, he can be really good around the net, and he can be physical. If he does that really well and consistently, I think he’s giving himself a good chance.”
Currently, the Rocket are performing strongly, leading the North Division with a 15-6-0-0 record as of December 11, 2023. Blais’s addition has bolstered their roster, potentially propelling them towards an AHL championship or creating future opportunities for him with the canadiens.
“I’m just happy I’m playing a lot of hockey,” Blais stated, ”and getting my confidence back.”
