Canadiens‘ prospect, Charles Hudon, returned to the Habs’ Development Camp earlier this month; if his showing was any indication of his desire to make the team, he’s making a good case for himself.
Drafted as a fifth-rounder in 2012, Hudon has steadily moved his way up from Juniors to the AHL, with a constant eye on the big leagues.
Playing with the Hamilton Bulldogs in his first full AHL season, he registered 57 points in 2014-15, 19 goals and 38 assists. Coming into the AHL, he was only lacking in defensive skills, but quickly demonstrated that he had tightened his defensive game.
His versatility is important: comfortable – and effective – at both center and wing, he makes himself even more valuable as a flexible player. Remarkably talented hands, exceptional hockey sense, he is a rising star in the making.
He began to get noticed in the hockey world, with many drawing comparisons between him and other Canadiens’ asssets:
Not sure if anyone's made this comparison, but @BulldogsAHL Charles Hudon reminds me more and more of #Habs Tomas Plekanec.
— Dan Kramer (@DanKramerHabs) January 10, 2015
It was noticed that Hudon has his sights set on the path followed by Brendan Gallagher as well. Emulating Gallagher’s style and attitude was something he was determined to do. Interviewed earlier this month, he said as much:
"“I like to talk on the ice like Gally does,” joked Hudon."
It’s not just chirping; it’s the edgy play, the way he buzzes around his opponents, staying on his course while defending his net, sticking close to the opposing goalie in order to get those goals or assists.
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And watching him at Development Camp, he is well on his way.
His linemate from the Bulldogs, Daniel Carr, gave full props to Hudon as a perfect one-two goal combination.
Carr, another prospect who has caught the eye of many this past season, as well as in Development Camp, also stands a chance at breaking into the NHL this season.
Hudon was a name brought up even during the Habs’ struggle against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the second round of playoffs.
Having made his appearance in preseason 2013, and pegged as the “one to watch” even last summer, he’s impressed every showing he’s had.
The difference this year is his fantastic performance in Hamilton. He was named the AHL Rookie of the Month in November. This was due to a phenomenal month:
"In 12 games during the month, Hudon had five goals — including three game-winners — and nine assists for 14 points."
He continued to improve, and his focus was solely on improvement:
"Knowing that I wasn’t necessarily going to get called up and play in Montreal last season really helped me focus and concentrate on what I had to do in Hamilton and where I needed to go."
Making an appearance in the AHL All-Star Game, he netted a hat trick and propelled the Western Conference to a 14-12 win over the Eastern Conference in that game.
With that under his belt, his impressive showing at Development Camp, a sure spot at training camp and – likely – on the preseason roster, we could be seeing Hudon in the bleu-blanc-rouge in no time at all.
Have a look at the talent we fans have to look forward to, in Charles Hudon’s highlights from the All-Star Game – watching this will excite you too!:
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