The Montreal Canadiens have made their first notable roster decision of the offseason, and it’s one that signals the end of a chapter for a young goaltender in their system. Joe Vrbetic, once seen as a promising prospect between the pipes, is officially no longer part of the organization after General Manager Kent Hughes opted not to sign him to an entry-level contract by the league’s deadline.

This move, though not entirely unexpected given the team’s depth at the goaltending position and the constraints of the 50-contract limit, nonetheless marks a significant moment for both the player and the franchise.

Vrbetic, who stands out with his towering 6-foot-6 frame, spent the past season splitting time in the ECHL, showing flashes of potential but ultimately not doing enough to secure a future with the Canadiens. As he now enters unrestricted free agency at just 22 years old, Vrbetic faces a new set of opportunities and challenges, while Montreal turns its attention to the next wave of prospects and potential roster moves. This decision raises questions about the organization’s plans in net and sets the stage for what could be an eventful offseason in Montreal.

Photo credit: TVA sports

Since nothing happened last night with the Montreal Canadiens, we can now confirm their first personnel move.

Kent Hughes had until yesterday to reach an agreement with prospect Joe Vrbetic, which ultimately did not happen, meaning the young goaltender has officially been released.

His rights no longer belong to the Montreal Canadiens organization.

Kent Hughes cuts ties with prospect Joe Vrbetic

The Canadiens now have one less young player in their organization.

In fact, nearly 40 players had their rights expire on June 1st, including Vrbetic in Montreal.

The Canadiens GM ultimately decided not to offer him a new contract, so the young goaltender officially becomes an unrestricted free agent.

“Montreal Canadiens prospect Joe Vrbetic was not signed to an ELC by 5 p.m. ET [yesterday], making him an unrestricted free agent, according to PuckPedia.

Vrbetic spent the 2024-25 season in the ECHL with the Indy Fuel and the Trois-Rivières Lions.”

Cooper Godin

We imagine the 50-contract limit played a role in Hughes’ decision, as did the organizational depth in net.

We wish him the best of luck going forward!

Only 22 years old, Vrbetic is a 6-foot-6, 186-pound goaltender who was selected 214th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2021 draft (7th round).

With the Trois-Rivières Lions this season, he posted a goals-against average of 0.81 and a save percentage of .957 in two games.

Vrbetic also has four career starts with the Laval Rocket (4.05 GAA / .871 SV%).