The New York Rangers announced that forward Sammy Blais is sidelined for for the rest of the season with a knee injury. Larry Brooks of the New York Post was the first to report the news on Tuesday. The injured is a torn ACL that will require surgery.
UPDATE: Sammy Blais (knee) has been placed on IR and is out for the season with an expected recovery of 6-8 months. The team has recalled Greg McKegg from @WolfPackAHL.
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) November 16, 2021
Sammy Blais Out for 2021-22 Season
Blais was injured after his leg bent awkwardly after a collision with New Jersey Devils defenceman P.K. Subban. He left in the third period of the Blueshirts’ 4-3 shootout victory over the Devils. The Montmagny, Quebec native couldn’t put any weight on his leg and needed help to the bench.
So far this season, Blais has four assists for four points to go along with 17minutes in penalties. His possession numbers were 47.1 percent Corsi and a relative Corsi of 3.6.
Over his five-year NHL career, Blais has played for the St. Louis Blues and the New York Rangers. He has 17 goals and 22 assists for 39 career points in 133 career games. St. Louis originally drafted the left winger in the sixth round, 176th overall of the 2014 NHL Draft. Blais came over during the summer in trade for Pavel Buchnevich.
“Not good news for us,” Rangers coach Gerard Gallant said to the media. “Disappointing and tough, but it happens and you’ve got to move on. Nothing you could do. I just feel for the kid. It’s a tough injury.”
What This Means for the Future
The 25-year-old had been on the Rangers’ top line with Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider. Blais may not be a goalscorer, but he provides an edge and is willing to get physical if needed. Filip Chytil was expected to return to the lineup after missing the last three games. Gregg McKegg got recalled from AHL Hartford, but is expected to be in the bottom of the lineup.
The injury might see former top pick Alexis Lafreniere get an increased role while Morgan Barron and Tim Gettinger might get looks at replacing Blais.
