Once again, Trevor Timmins may have struck gold with a 5th round pick. The Canadiens announced via twitter this afternoon that they have signed forward Charles Hudon to a 3-year entry-level contract. Here is the press release:
MONTREAL – Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin announced Sunday the signing of forward Charles Hudon to a three-year contract (2013-14 to 2015-16). As per club policy, financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
In 56 games with the QMJHL’s Chicoutimi Saguenéens in 2012-13, Hudon collected 71 points (30 goals, 41 assists). He led his team in goals and points, while ranking second on the Saguenéens in helpers. He served 166 penalty minutes and maintained a +15 plus/minus differential. He added three points (1 goal, 2 assists) in nine games with the AHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs.
Hudon, 18, has recorded 197 points (78 goals, 119 assists) in 178 games since his junior debut with Chicoutimi in 2010-11. The 5’10” and 177 lbs forward has served 158 penalty minutes and displays a +69 plus/minus differential.
A native of Alma, Quebec, Hudon was selected in the fifth round, 122nd overall by the Canadiens at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. He took part in the second part of the Canadiens’ development camp in June 2012.
Here is what Future Considerations Magazine had to say about Hudon leading up to the draft last spring:
An intelligent, offensively creative playmaker. He has some elusiveness and shiftiness in his feet, but lacks explosiveness in his step or a high-end speed. He does, however, use his smarts and understanding of the game to maintain strong positioning and get to where the puck is going before most. He is a feisty com- petitor who plays physical despite his lack of strength. He uses his strong vision, quick hands and smooth creativity to generate offensive chances all over the ice. While he does not have a blistering shot, he does find the holes and shoots often. His passes are of the highly skilled nature and they’re timely. He is also smart without the puck, knowing where to go and what to do. He can get out-muscled in puck battles but also wins his fair share due to his smarts and quick stick. He doesn’t wait for the puck to come to him; rather, quickly closes gaps and gets to the puck like a pro. He’s a polar- izing draft prospect: Some love his hockey sense and skill while others hate his size and poor skating.
