Montreal Canadiens waive Sammy Blais - Patrik Laine return imminent? What is Kent Hughes planning?

Montreal Canadiens shake up their roster by waiving Sammy Blais just before the Olympic break—what’s behind Kent Hughes’ calculated timing, and could more moves be on the horizon? With Patrick Laine’s injury status in question and Alex Newhook eyeing a return, the Habs face a forward logjam that could force tough decisions for Hughes and Martin St. Louis.Laura Saba and Ian Boisvert debate potential trades, speculate on Nazem Kadri’s fit in Montreal, and spotlight the ongoing struggle to balance veterans like Brendan Gallagher and Josh Anderson with emerging talent. The hosts break down defense pairings, strategize around playoff lineups, and name which NHL GMs Hughes should be calling daily to bolster the Canadiens’ chances. With Olympic buzz and off-ice intrigue, this episode sets the stage for a high-stakes stretch run in Montreal.00:00 Canadiens waive Blais06:04 Trade options and Newhook’s return09:37 Kent Hughes' next moves13:43 Trading Anderson or Gallagher challenges17:52 Long-term value over cost20:50 Canadiens' trade targets discussion25:00 Logan Mailloux: defensive struggles28:47 Exploiting desperate NHL GMs31:06 Trivia: First Black Woman in Hockey Hall of Fame32:44 Canadiens game tomorrow previewFollow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOCanadiens?sid=YouTubeLocked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL Find Locked On Canadiens anywhere:https://lintr.ee/LockedOnCanadiensAlso make sure to follow Locked on Canadiens and their hosts on Bluesky!Locked on Canadiens: https://bsky.app/profile/lockedoncanadiens.bsky.socialFind Ian on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/maybeitsian.bsky.socialFind Laura on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theactivestick.bsky.social#NHLHockey #MontrealCanadiens #Habs #nhl #nationalhockeyleague #canadiensmtl #canadiens Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclubSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!IndeedNow, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/lockedon right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelIf you’re a new customer, bet just $5 and get $200 in Bonus Bets if you win. Make it count — because after the Super Bowl, the season is over. Last call for football on FanDuel, an Official Sportsbook Partner of Super Bowl Sixty.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.