UConn adds forward Alexandre Blais

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UConn men’s hockey made the penultimate addition to its 2025-26 roster, landing forward Alexandre Blais. He announced the decision on his Instagram on Monday.

Listed at 5-10, 176 pounds with a left-handed shot from Longueuil, Quebec, Blais was taken in the fourth round (100th overall) by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2024 NHL Draft. He’s spent the last four seasons with the QMJHL’s Rimouski Oceanic — Sidney Crosby’s junior team — and has been a point-per-game player for two straight years. In 2024-25, Blais finished sixth in the league with 53 assists to go along with 20 goals for 73 points in 60 regular season contests.

He’s the Huskies’ second-ever CHL commitment — joining fellow freshman Carlin Dezainde — and the first to hail from the QMJHL. Previously, major-junior players weren’t eligible for college hockey until the NCAA changed its rules to allow them for the 2025-26 campaign.

Blais can play either left wing or center and is regarded as an elite skater and high-IQ playmaker. From EliteProspect’s 2024 draft guide:

“Blais’ hands work just as fast as his feet. He spots gaps in coverage and vulnerable opponents and takes advantage of those instantly. And he understands how to manipulate defenders, often dragging them with him to create more space for teammates. He can pull off kinds of passes with the same precision.”

The Hockey Writers note that Blais is “one of the better playmakers in the 2024 Draft class” but needs to work on his strength, shot and defense.

Oddly enough, Blais is one of two UConn prospects that the Ducks selected in the 2024 NHL Draft alongside defenseman Daryls Uljanskis (seventh round, 214th overall), who is expected to arrive in Storrs next fall.

Since the school opted into the House Settlement, the Huskies’ roster will be capped at 26 players. Blais is the 25th, so UConn needs to add just one more forward to fill out its squad for the upcoming season.

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