Joe Vrbetic was given the chance to play with the Trois-Rivieres Lions again this season, after the Indy Fuel traded him in mid-February. Vrbetic spent the last two seasons with Trois-Rivieres, but joined Indy to begin the 2024-25 season. He would play two games with Trois-Rivieres after 12 poor games in Indy, recording a 0.81 goals-against average and a .957 save percentage.
It would be the only two games that Vrbetic played for the organization this season, as Hunter Jones and Luke Cavallin have taken over the goaltending duties in the playoffs. It's hard to argue with the decision, as Cavallin led them to the Kelly Cup Finals against the Toledo Walleye, upsetting the Florida Everblades in the conference final and ending their dynasty.
Vrbetic was the 214th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. It's a long road for a goaltender to earn a contract when he is picked so late in the draft, and that is proving true for Vrbetic as the Canadiens are nearing the deadline to give up his rights.
Vrbetic had a good final season in the OHL, recording a 2.87 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage with the North Bay Battallion. He also went 6-1 in the postseason that year, setting the table for a shot at making one of the pro rosters in the Canadiens' organization the following year.
Vrbetic would play four games the following year in call-up duty for the Laval Rocket. However, it came with limited success. He also struggled with Trois-Rivieres and had an even worse season in 2023-24.
It makes sense that the Lions moved away from him to start the 2024-25 season, as Cavallin and Jones are proving to be an elite tandem at that level. As we look at how the Canadiens' depth chart in goal is shaping out, it'd be hard to see them wasting a contract slot on Vrbetic, as there will seemingly be four goalies in front of him next season.
Teams don't normally waste a contract slot on a goalie in the ECHL. It's unfortunate for the goaltender, but it looks like the Canadiens will allow his rights to expire.