Connor Hughes stealing the show in Laval

Jakub Dobes was the story heading into the Laval Rocket's 2024-25 season. We discussed whether Dobes could soon jump to the NHL if Cayden Primeau or Samuel Montembeault faltered. It seemed like Dobes would get the majority of the starts in the AHL, with newcomer Connor Hughes filling in on the busy schedule. However, Dobes hasn't been the leader of the team. Instead, Hughes was a catalyst for the successful 8-1-0 start for the Rocket.

Dobes hasn't been terrible for the Rocket. He is undefeated, owning a 2.25 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage. The numbers are stellar for an AHL goaltender, as the league normally has a weaker defensive system in front of the goalies which leads to a more free-flowing offensive game. That makes it even more impressive that Dobes has been the No. 2 for Laval by a significant margin. Hughes has been unbelievable in his five starts, owning a 4-1-0 record with a 1.81 goals-against average and a .937 save percentage.

Is Connor Hughes primed to crack the Canadiens roster? Some fans may argue that Montreal could be better off with a duo of Dobes and Hughes instead of Montembeault and Primeau. Hughes defies the odds at every level, as he's gone from Junior A in Ontario to struggling in the Swiss second league to dominating the National League in Switzerland and getting an AHL contract. People wondered if he could play in the AHL, but he passed every test through five games.

Let's not get too ahead of ourselves. Primeau and Montembeault aren't going anywhere this season. The Rocket could also have an additional goaltender coming if Jacob Fowler turns pro after the Boston College season ends. The Hughes signing may do nothing except give the Rocket a reliable goaltender, but there's an outside chance that he earns a role in Montreal. If Montembeault and Primeau continue to struggle this season, Primeau may not be back next year. Fowler will likely start the 2025-26 season in Laval, so one of Dobes or Hughes must be Montembeault's backup in Montreal.

It seemed like Dobes was the automatic candidate to fill that role next season. However, Hughes' play this season could give him an improbable seat on the chartered planes for next season.