Big news has just shaken the Montreal Canadiens organization, as promising goaltender Connor Hughes has officially announced his departure. After showing significant promise with the Laval Rocket early in the season, including impressive performances that had some even calling for his promotion to Montreal, Hughes will now be leaving North America to return to Europe.

This surprising move comes just after the Canadiens signed young goalie Jacob Fowler, signaling a clear shift in the team’s future plans between the pipes. Hughes, who was signed by Kent Hughes last summer and had a solid training camp with Montreal, had a strong start to the 2024-25 season.

However, with injuries and the Canadiens’ roster moves, including the emergence of Fowler and Cayden Primeau, it seems Hughes’ time with the organization has come to an end. As Hughes heads back to Lausanne, we wish him the best in his future endeavors and thank him for his contributions to the team.

Sep 24, 2024; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens goalie Connor Hughes (95) makes a save during the second period of the game against the New Jersey Devils at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

An important piece of news has just dropped within the Montreal Canadiens organization. It’s unfortunate, because his start to the season with the Laval Rocket was so promising, but Connor Hughes is officially leaving the Habs.

The goaltender, who was signed by Kent Hughes last summer and was under contract with the Montreal Canadiens, will now return to Europe.

This announcement comes shortly after the signing of Jacob Fowler, which clearly explains the situation, Hughes’ departure is likely making room for the young Fowler.

Connor Hughes will not return to the Rocket.

He really did seem promising, especially early in the season, when some experts were even calling for his call-up to the Canadiens (while Cayden Primeau was struggling in Montreal), but we all know how things played out.

It’s over for Connor Hughes with the Montreal Canadiens organization

Given that Hughes is currently injured, and that Jacob Fowler and Cayden Primeau are likely to be the two goaltenders used by the Rocket in the playoffs, it’s safe to say that Connor Hughes has probably played his final game with Laval.

We wish him the best of luck going forward.

“Goaltender Connor Hughes will return to Lausanne next season after a year in the Canadiens organization, reports Swiss newspaper Le Matin today.”

– Anthony Marcotte, BPM Sports

He still gave strong performances early in the season with the Laval Rocket, and also had a solid training camp in Montreal.

Connor Hughes, 28 years old, is a 6-foot-4, 231-pound goaltender who finished the 2024-25 season with a 15-12-2 record for Laval, a goals-against average of 2.58, and a save percentage of .905.

At midseason, his save percentage was actually above .930 – imagine that!

Good luck back in Europe, Connor, and thank you for everything!