Connor Hughes began the present 2024/25 season within the AHL with the Rockets de Laval. But there are expanding indicators that he’ll quickly be capable to plan the quick adventure to Montreal (40 mins by way of automobile, 45 mins by way of metro).
Connor Hughes in pole place?
The outstanding and a hit goalie trainer Stéphane Waite not too long ago spoke in a published at the sports activities channel RDS (the French an identical of TSN) it appears that evidently: Cayden Primeau, backup goalie for the Montreal Canadiens, is lately no longer ready to satisfy expectancies in his function as backup keeper in Montreal . His self assurance and frame language left so much to be desired. Waite: “It might be time for Primeau to regain his confidence in Laval. However, I wouldn’t get the highly talented Jakub Dobeš from the Rockets, but rather the experienced Connor Hughes. He showed in Switzerland that he can perform at a high level. I hope Connor Hughes gets his chance.”
Experts name for a backup trade
In Montreal they have got been anything else however proud of Cayden Primeau because the get started of the season. It’s no longer simply his statistics which can be unhealthy. He hardly manages to win a recreation and even “steal”. There isn’t any consistency in efficiency. While Primeau was once just right or even a hit in a minimum of 50 p.c of his appearances remaining season, he has handiest actually inspired two times in six complete and 4 partial appearances to this point. With virtually 4.5 targets conceded in step with recreation and a save fee underneath 85 p.c, self assurance within the now 25-year-old, who performed brilliantly in his junior years and within the AHL, is slowly dwindling. The requires a metamorphosis within the backup place at the back of common goalkeeper Samuel Montenbeault (global champion with Canada in 2023) are changing into unmistakable.
Don’t speculate – simply display your efficiency
Connor Hughes himself is aware of that he can’t and must no longer speculate: “I came here with a clear goal. I want to go to the NHL. But you can’t force it. My whole career I had to think step by step and that’s how it is now. It’s my childhood dream and maybe one day it will come true.” What he already notices as an AHL goalkeeper: “Here there is no hesitation when it comes to finishing. Sometimes the shots come as a surprise, even from a sharp angle. You have to be physically fit here and always on guard.” It’s a distinct taste of play than in Switzerland. Of path on account of the ice rink, but in addition as a result of there’s much less tactical play right here. At the most recent when he makes the leap to the NHL, he’ll additionally obtain visits from friends and family. “I keep in good contact with my former teammates in Switzerland.”
Connor Hughes spent his junior 12 months in Canada, moved to HC Ambrì-Piotta in 2017, however handiest performed for the farm staff HCB Ticino Rockets. His trail took him to Lausanne in 2023 by way of SC Langenthal and HC Fribourg-Gottéron. In the playoffs he performed 18 video games and shone with only one.91 targets conceded in step with recreation. His moderate catch fee was once 93.3%. Now the following occupation spotlight may include a first actual NHL look.
