Connor Hughes looks set to leave the Montreal Canadiens organization and head back to Switzerland, in a surprising twist for the promising goaltender’s career.
The 27-year-old netminder had shown real potential with the Laval Rocket this season, even generating buzz about a possible call-up to the Canadiens just weeks ago.
But things have taken an unexpected turn.
Multiple reports now suggest Hughes will return to European hockey next season, with his agent already reaching out to Swiss clubs, including Lausanne, about opportunities for the 2025-26 season.
Swiss media outlet Watson described Hughes as feeling “stuck” in Laval, unable to climb higher on the Canadiens’ depth chart despite his solid performance.
It’s a dramatic shift in trajectory for a goalie who many thought could be part of Montreal’s future plans. Just months ago, Hughes was turning heads with his play in Laval and seemed to be positioning himself for an NHL opportunity.
The timing is particularly interesting, as the Canadiens continue to sort out their long-term goaltending situation. Hughes might have seen the writing on the wall with several other prospects in the system.
While things could still change before summer, all signs point to Hughes making the move back to Switzerland, where he previously played before joining the Canadiens organization.
For Montreal, it’s another reminder of just how tough it can be to keep promising talent in the pipeline when NHL opportunities aren’t immediately available.
