Connor Hughes isn’t related to Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes. The name had no bearing on him signing a one-year, two-way contract with the organization in June.
Rather than relying on lineage, the 27-year-old Laval Rocket goaltender has displayed an inherent ability to stop the puck. And despite his age and a return to North American hockey following seven seasons in Switzerland, the dream of playing in the NHL, he believes, remains possible.
“This year, for me, I want to get my foot in the door,” Hughes told The Gazette on Tuesday following a development-day practice at Place Bell. “I want to show the organization what I can do. It’s kind of hard to judge a goalie or even a player when they’re playing overseas. They probably want to see what they’re like in the North American-style game. I want to … hopefully make the next step and hopefully prove to them I can play at that (NHL) level.”
After losing his first start with the Rocket, 3-1 last week at Springfield — the final goal was scored into an empty net — Hughes stopped 23 Syracuse shots Saturday afternoon in Laval’s 1-0 home-ice victory. It was the team’s first shutout since Feb. 28, when Jakub Dobeš stopped 35 shots in a 4-0 win at Bridgeport.
While it’s only a two-game sample, Hughes, imposing at 6-foot-4 and 231 pounds, has a ridiculous 1.02 goals-against average along with a .958 save percentage. He also came on in relief of Samuel Montembeault and stopped all 13 shots he faced on Sept. 24, in the Canadiens’ second exhibition game, when they defeated New Jersey 3-0.
While first-year Rocket head coach Pascal Vincent didn’t know much about Hughes before inheriting him, he has quickly become a fan of the player, and of the mature individual he deals with off the ice.
“He wanted to give himself a chance, coming here to North America,” Vincent said. “When you speak to him, you’re talking to a man. He’s very mature. His game prep, he’s a pro. He still has a lot of things to learn, but he’s willing to learn. He’s at a stage in his life where he knows a lot, knows himself and knows what he can do.
“Big body, good technique. Good work ethic and great teammate. I feel very fortunate to have a guy like him. He brings a calm confidence about the way he approaches his game and his life. And obviously he’s a good goalie.”
After going undrafted, Hughes decided to play in Switzerland at age 20. Mostly a backup for five seasons for second-tier teams, he graduated to the Swiss National League in 2022-23 but made his mark last season playing for Lausanne HC. In 19 games, he went 10-6-1 with two shutouts, a 1.73 average and .940 save percentage. Hughes had 11 wins and two more shutouts in the playoffs, his team reaching the seventh game of the final before losing to Zurich.
Hughes led the league in average and save percentage. Coincidentally, his goalie coach last season, Cristobal Huet, played three seasons with the Canadiens. Huet was 27, like Hughes, when he arrived in North America from Switzerland.
“The NHL was a really long dream. I knew it was going to take some time if I was going to get there,” Hughes said. “Hopefully I get the chance to play in the (Swiss) National League and then maybe something would happen. I had two really good years and got noticed. I knew if I put together a couple good years, there was a chance. That chance finally came seven years later.
“Physically and mentally, I’m a late bloomer,” added the London, Ont., native. “I was an anxious player going into each game, but have (learned to) relax mentally the past couple of years. I think overall going to Switzerland made me a better player. If I didn’t experience that, I probably wouldn’t be where I am.”
Hughes said he plays a simple game and doesn’t make things too complicated. He goes into each game believing he won’t allow a goal, his growth curve making his future appear promising. And if it’s not with the Canadiens, there are 31 other NHL organizations on his radar.
“For Hughes, it’s not only the Montreal Canadiens,” Vincent said. “It’s still possible for him. If he plays well, it’s either here or somewhere else. He’s here and is going to focus on the Rocket and, hopefully, the Canadiens. There’s also 31 other teams that may be looking for a big, good goaltender. Who knows?”
Laval (3-1-0) hosts Utica Friday night.