Sam had a remarkable eye for talent on the ice.  It was this eye that helped him lead the Habs to nine Stanley Cups in 14 years.  He made the Canadiens a dynasty of 1960's and 70's hockey.

He officially joined the Montreal Canadiens in 1947 scouting and evaluating talent for 14 years.  His front-office skills allowed him to become Vice President and GM of the team for in the 1960's and 1970's.  He set the standard for subsequent NHL general managers. 

Following his success with the Canadiens he went to become Chairman and CEO of Major League Baseball's Toronto Blue Jays from 1995 - 2000. 

He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1978, and he was made and Officer of the Order of Canada in 1985 and was also named a member of the Order of Quebec.