AHL-additions - Connor Hughes to return to LHC, Erik Brännström to join?

It has been no secret that Connor Hughes is very likely to return to Switzerland this summer. As "Le Matin" now writes, things seem to be settled - the netminder is returning to his previous club, Lausanne HC. The Swiss-Canadian had joined the Montreal Canadiens last year, but was assigned to their AHL affiliate, the Laval Rocket. At the moment, he sidelined due to a lower-body injury.

After a strong start to the season, Hughes has been overshadowed by Cayden Primeau ever since the latter got assigned to the Rocket as well in late December. Now, with his injury and highly-touted prospect Jacob Fowler joining from Boston College, Hughes' future within the Canadiens' organization might not be the brightest.

If the 28-year-old really is set to return to Lausanne, the National League team presumably would want to find a new place for Antoine Keller.

Besides Hughes, another current AHL-player might also be joining the Lions. As "Le Matin" knows from "Expressen", Erik Brännström is said to have signed a three-year deal with them. The defenseman is part of the Buffalo Sabres' organization, but has only played for their AHL affiliate, the Rochester Americans, since they acquired him in March. He, too, has a Swiss past, albeit a very brief one - ten games on loan for the SCL Tigers during the 2020-21 season.

Last but not least, longtime injured Lawrence Pilut, at the end of his current contract with Lausanne, is likely getting a try-out at the start of the season.