Habs sign Connor Hughes
The Habs have added some goaltending depth to the organization as the team announced on Tuesday that they’ve signed free agent netminder Connor Hughes to a one-year, two-way contract. Financial terms of the move were not disclosed.
The 27-year-old has had a bit of an interesting path to get to this point. After being undrafted and not reaching the major junior level, Hughes opted to sign in Switzerland back in 2017 where he has been ever since.
Hughes spent this season with Lausanne in Switzerland’s top division, posting a 1.73 GAA with a .940 SV% in 19 games and was nearly as sharp in the playoffs, putting up 1.91 and .933 respectively in 18 appearances which likely played a big role in Montreal’s decision to take a flyer on him.
The Canadiens now have four netminders under contract for next season. Samuel Montembeault and Cayden Primeau are expected to be the tandem in Montreal while Hughes should partner with Jakub Dobes in Laval. It appears that instead of going for a typical veteran to work with Dobes, the Habs are going for a bit of upside.
Hughes becomes the 41st player under contract for 2024-25 with Arber Xhekaj, Justin Barron, and Jesse Ylonen being among the notable restricted free agents this summer.
Hughes’ Stats: