It was a day in Philadelphia, another day in the NHL for Lucas Condotta.
And even if the Laval Rocket captain didn’t dress for the Canadiens’ game last Sunday against the Flyers, he said the experience was well worth the logistical challenge of getting there.
“It was fun. It’s the NHL,” Condotta told The Gazette this week following a practice at Place Bell. “Any time you can spend in the NHL, even the warm-up. You don’t know how many you’re going to have. You have to take advantage and take it all in. I saw a cool building and got to hang out with the guys.”
While Condotta and the Rocket were in Utica last Saturday night, the Canadiens defeated St. Louis at the Bell Centre. Montreal forward Josh Anderson left the game after blocking a shot with his left foot and appeared to be in visible discomfort. The Canadiens announced post-game that Condotta had been recalled.
Condotta spent the night in Utica before being met by a limousine the next morning at 11 for the 448-km trip, lasting about five hours. Condotta had a bowl of oatmeal at the hotel upon his arrival, went to the rink and participated in the warm-up, although he never got to dress since Anderson’s condition improved. Condotta returned to Montreal post-game on the team’s charter.
Signed to a two-year, two-way US$1.55-million contract in July 2023, Condotta has a cap hit of US$775,000, meaning he earned US$4,036 last Sunday, before taxes, for his troubles. The 26-year-old undrafted centre has played four games for the Canadiens, including three last season, scoring once.
He became the Rocket’s fifth captain — and second anglophone after Byron Froese — in team history this season, replacing Gabriel Bourque, who retired last month at age 34. Condotta was selected by Pascal Vincent, in his first season as Laval’s head coach. The alternate captains are Brandon Gignac and newcomer Tyler Wotherspoon.
“I asked a lot of questions to the people that were here — trainers, medical staff, management, even former coaches. Condo was the name that came out,” Vincent explained. “We want the best guy that will support not only this team but the young players who need help. Even though he wants to play in the NHL, it’s his work ethic, attitude and being professional. He’s involved in the community. It was his name that came out the most.”
While the search could have concluded there, Vincent went one step further, asking Condotta why he should be named captain. Condotta talked about his work ethic, pride, attention to details and inclusive attitude. He wants to bring people together, help them improve and is the first to offer support.
Vincent was convinced he had the man for the job.
“Condo was the choice. The obvious choice,” said Vincent, 53, the former head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets and AHL Manitoba Moose. “This had nothing to do with language. We knew, if we wanted to talk about the language, we’d have members of the leadership group that are francophones. We would have that balance.”
Condotta, a native of Georgetown, Ont., northwest of Toronto, was understandably honoured by the faith and confidence management displayed. He was a captain in junior hockey and at college with UMass-Lowell, along with a Rocket alternate captain last season. He’s now in his third full season with Laval.
“It’s a huge honour to be looked upon as a leader of this team,” said Condotta, who signed with the Canadiens as an undrafted free agent in March 2022. “To be looked at as that guy was obviously special. To be captain of an original six franchise, the Montreal Canadiens’ farm team, is a huge deal.
“It doesn’t change anything, and only reinforces that I’m doing the right things,” added Condotta, who can become an unrestricted free agent following this season. “Be a leader and bring out the best in my teammates.”
Condotta lives year-round in Laval with his wife and daughter. And while he’s not particularly vocal in the dressing room, Vincent isn’t concerned.
“There are different ways to lead,” Vincent said. “Being vocal is one way. You can be vocal all day long. If you don’t work and get the job done, your words mean nothing. He (Condotta) is vocal enough.”
Condotta, 6-foot-1 and 218 pounds, has four assists in seven games this season. Over the course of his 151-game AHL career he has scored 24 goals and 55 points. Laval, off to a 6-1-0 start, entertains Providence Friday night and Saturday afternoon.