Observations:

October 2017 – Charles Hudon has finally made the Canadiens opening night roster. After scoring 159 points in his first 198 AHL games, including 55 goals over the last 123 games (two seasons) the goal-hungry Habs truly gave the 2012 fifth-rounder consideration to earn a spot in their top-12. It also didn't hurt that Hudon was arguably the Canadiens best player throughout training camp and exhibition season. Not only has the versatile forward played his way onto the team, but he's forced his way into the top-nine as part of a formidable scoring line with Tomas Plekanec and Artturi Lehkonen. After Plekanec scored just 10 goals last season it looked as if his offense had dried up, but the 12-year veteran looked much more lively in the offensive zone this pre-season playing next to the extremely smart Hudon who moves the puck quickly and creatively. With that being said; don't think the rookie is riding anybody's coattails, Hudon will make an impact this season after years of working hard for this chance. Mike Barrett

February 2017 – Hudon has produced five goals and eight points in his last five games with the Ice Caps. It's a good time to be streaking as a coaching change always includes a roster shakeup. Former Canadiens Coach Michel Therrien never gave Hudon a real chance with the big club despite his AHL success (and playing well in his call-ups), but Claude Julien just may want to see what the former fifth-round pick can bring to the team. The trade deadline is also fast approaching, and if Bergevin really isn't moving a blue-chipper, Hudon could be a prime candidate for relocation come March 1. Mike Barrett

November 2016 – A couple of days after scoring his AHL-leading ninth goal of the season, Hudon received word that the Canadiens would need his services following news that Alex Radulov likely won't play in Carolina on Friday night (Nov. 18) due to an illness. The recall may be short-term, but Hudon's minor league dominance for the third consecutive season surely instills the confidence needed to give him a shot in a scoring role this time around. Mike Barrett

May 2016 – Following up on a fantastic rookie campaign, Charles Hudon finished 2015-16 as the inaugural Ice Caps' leading goal scorer (28) and second leading point man. His 53 points trailed only 28-year-old Bud Holloway at the conclusion of the season, and caught fire in the last quarter scoring at a near point-per-game pace including 10 goals on 45 shots over the final 15 games. Habs management stuck to the plan of letting him develop in the minors while older, more experienced players received a call-up for the most part.Though, he did record a pair of assists in his first and only three NHL appearances. Hudon may very well turn heads at training camp, but with so much uncertainty regarding the Canadiens lineup going forward it looks like an uphill battle at this point. Expect more AHL domination for the time being, while slowly acclimating to the NHL game. Mike Barrett

March 2015 – While Hudon has slowed down offensively, he remains the top rookie scorer in the AHL with 50 points through 60 games. This total also tops the Hamilton Bulldogs with Gabriel Dumont being the closest prospect production-wise at 38 points. As others have received call-ups to the Canadiens, Hudon has stayed in the minors all year to develop. He is still a work in progress but has made tremendous strides since being draftedin the fifth round back in 2012. Eric Daoust

December 2014 – Hudon was named the AHL's rookie of the month for November. He currently leads the Bulldogs with 21 points and a plus-9 rating through 20 games. The fact that he is extending his hot start is very impressive. Eric Daoust

November 2014 – Through 11 games Hudon leads the Hamilton Bulldogs with 10 points. If he can keep it up he could push himself to the front of the line for a call-up when the Canadiens are in need of an injury replacement. Eric Daoust

August 2014 – The 5th round pick from Alma, QC made his debut as a professional hockey player earlier this summer at development camp. Coming off his final junior season, Charles Hudon looks ready to be heavily relied upon as a rookie for the Bulldogs in 2015. His all-around game, dedication to detail and superior hockey sense make up for anything he may lack in size. Look for Hudon to get his feet wet in the NHL this year as well. Mike Barrett

December 2013 – Charles Hudon is one of 13 forwards selected to the Canadian Under-20 World Junior roster for the upcoming Championships in Malmo, Sweden. Hudon was named to the 2013 WJC Team but due to injury missed the competition so the small forward should be eager to represent his country and should find himself on the wing of one of the top three scoring lines. Brendan Ross

August 2013 – Hudon is still not fully recovered from a back injury that caused him to miss some regular season games and the World Junior Championship last year. Despite the injury he still had a very good season but one has to wonder if it could slow him down moving forward. Eric Daoust

May 2013 – Hudon signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Montreal Canadiens. Eric Daoust

April 2013 – Hudon will join the AHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs for the final few games of the regular season. He will not see any playoff action because the team is in last place in the Western Conference. His arrival in Hamilton follows a strong campaign in the QMJHL where he had 71 points in 56 games for Chicoutimi. Eric Daoust

January 2013 – Charles Hudon has caught fire ever since returning from a back injury sustained at the World Junior Championships. He has seven points in his last five games, all wins for his Chicoutimi Saguenéens. While he did not get to compete for Canada at the WJC due to the injury, Hudon is expected to play a huge role in next year’s tournament. The crafty winger now has 22 goals in only 32 QMJHL games and is starting to look like a potential fourth round steal for the Montreal Canadiens. Santino Fasulo

December 2012 – Charles Hudon was one of 21 forwards invited to take part in Canada's National Junior Selection camp for the 2013 World Junior Championships in Ufa, Russia. The small crafty winger has performed fantastic internationally for Canada in the past especially in the Canada-Russia Challenge playing under Steve Spott. Barring a very disappointing camp, Hudon should be pencilled into a top-9 scoring role for THE 2013 Team Canada WJC squad. Brendan Ross

October 2012 – Charles Hudon is off to a strong start to the 2012-13 campaign with eight goals and 13 points along with 14 PIM in nine games. Eric Daoust

August 2012 – Quoted from Report Cards of Canada-Russia Challenge Article: The most surprising player by far for Team Canada was Montreal Canadiens’ 5^th round selection Charles Hudon. His draft pedigree was alarming considering I had him ranked as a late 2^nd/early 3^rd round player but it indicated that Hudon struggled in his draft season after failing to meet the lofty expectations set after his QMJHL rookie of the year campaign. Hudon has always been criticized for his skating as he lacks the speed you would like to see in an undersized winger. Charles Hudon actually made improvements in his skating over the past season but he still lacks the separation speed and it was noticeable during this series. However, Hudon compensates his slow feet by using his elite hockey sense and slippery hands. For a smaller player, Hudon was exceptional at gaining body position against larger opponents allowing him to protect the puck and create magic with his puck skills. As a bonus, Montreal’s Hudon is a valuable player on the defensive side of the puck as well and that should assure him a good opportunity in the NHL…and in your fantasy lineup. Brendan Ross

June 2012 – Charles Hudon was a 5th round selection of the Montreal Canadiens at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Brendan Ross

April 2012 – Hudon was named the QMJHL Rookie of the Year last season and he put up similar numbers this year. The dynamic winger put up 66 points in 59 games and currently has eight points in nine playoffs games. He may be on the smaller side, but he possesses high-end offensive instincts and quick hands. He is a leader on his team, a great skater and excels on the power play. He’s easily in the top five coming out of the QMJHL this year and will likely be drafted in the first three rounds. Derek LeBlanc

Fantasy Outlook: C-

Good offensive upside but still years away from fantasy relevance.

Footage:

Hudon Interview

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