Charles Hudon Bio
Charles Simard-Hudon, known professionally as Charles Hudon, is a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger who currently plays for Djurgårdens IF of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). Born on June 23, 1994, in Alma, Quebec, Hudon has built his career through the junior ranks of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), the American Hockey League (AHL), and the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the fifth round, 122nd overall, by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Standing 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing approximately 196 pounds, Hudon has spent more than a decade navigating professional hockey on both sides of the Atlantic.
Throughout his career, Hudon has developed a reputation as a skilled and persistent forward, capable of producing offense at every level he has competed. He has represented multiple organizations across North America and Europe, including the Montreal Canadiens, Colorado Avalanche, and Lausanne HC, before continuing his career in Sweden. His journey from a small midget program in Quebec to the top professional leagues in North America and Europe reflects years of steady development and perseverance.
Early Life and Background
Charles Hudon was born on June 23, 1994, in Alma, Quebec, Canada, a city located in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region. Growing up in Quebec, he was introduced to hockey at a young age, following a path taken by countless Canadian children in the province. He played his amateur midget hockey with the Saint-Eustache Vikings of the Quebec Midget AAA (QMAAA), where his offensive talent became evident to scouts and coaches.
His development within the Saint-Eustache program prepared him for the jump to major junior hockey. The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, one of the three major junior leagues that make up the Canadian Hockey League, offered Hudon the platform to showcase his abilities on a larger stage. He was drafted sixth overall by the Chicoutimi Saguenéens in the QMJHL Entry Draft, signaling the high expectations surrounding his future in the sport.
During his time in the QMJHL, Hudon emerged as a dynamic offensive contributor. Following two prolific seasons with the Saguenéens, he received national attention and was selected by an NHL franchise. His upbringing in Quebec, combined with his early success in midget and major junior hockey, laid the foundation for a professional career that would eventually take him across several leagues and countries.
Path to Professional Hockey
Hudon’s path to professional hockey accelerated when he was selected in the fifth round, 122nd overall, by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. While a fifth-round selection often signals a long developmental road, Hudon’s strong performances in the QMJHL gave the Canadiens confidence in his offensive potential. On May 5, 2013, he was signed to a three-year entry-level contract with Montreal, officially beginning his professional career.
His final junior season in 2013–14 was marked by both individual success and team movement. As captain of the Saguenéens, Hudon led the offense with 41 points in 33 games before being traded to the Baie-Comeau Drakkar. With Baie-Comeau, he helped the team reach the President Cup Finals, co-leading the club in goals with 10 and finishing third in points with 21. These performances solidified his readiness to make the transition to the professional ranks.
In his first full professional season in 2014–15, Hudon was assigned to the Canadiens’ AHL affiliate, the Hamilton Bulldogs. He quickly assumed a top-line scoring role and recorded a remarkable rookie campaign, collecting 57 points in 75 games. He finished second among Bulldogs skaters in scoring and second among AHL rookies league-wide, earning a selection to the AHL All-Rookie Team. Hudon was also chosen for the AHL All-Star Game, where he posted three goals and an assist to earn co-MVP honors.
Charles Hudon Career
Early Career (2013–2015)
Hudon’s professional career began in earnest with the Hamilton Bulldogs during the 2014–15 season. His transition from major junior to the AHL was seamless, as he quickly adapted to the pace and physicality of professional hockey. His 57-point rookie season established him as one of the most promising young forwards within the Montreal Canadiens organization.
The following season, 2015–16, brought organizational changes, as the Canadiens’ AHL affiliate relocated to become the St. John’s IceCaps. On December 8, 2015, Hudon received his first NHL recall from Montreal. He made his NHL debut on December 10, 2015, recording his first NHL point with an assist in a 3–2 defeat to the Detroit Red Wings. After adding another assist in his second game, he was returned to the IceCaps on December 18, 2015, to continue his development.
NHL Breakthrough (2015–2019)
After spending time refining his game in the AHL, Hudon earned a more permanent role with the Montreal Canadiens. During the 2017–18 season, he recorded his first two career NHL goals in an 8–3 win over the Ottawa Senators on October 30, 2017. In his first full NHL season, he generated 23 primary points, including 10 goals and 13 primary assists, on a team that struggled to find consistent offense.
The 2018–19 season presented challenges, as Hudon registered only five points in 32 games before being passed on the depth chart. He rejected a qualifying offer from the Canadiens, priming him for restricted free agency. The following summer, on July 19, 2019, Hudon signed a one-year, $900,000 contract extension with Montreal. He was waived before the season began, cleared, and was reassigned to the Laval Rocket, where he scored nine goals before being recalled in November. He returned to Laval in December and earned a spot at the 2020 AHL All-Star Classic.
European and Return to North America (2020–2025)
On October 12, 2020, it was reported that Hudon would play in Switzerland during the 2020–21 season. On October 16, he agreed to a one-year contract with Lausanne HC of the National League. After seven seasons under contract with the Canadiens organization, Hudon became a free agent and signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning on July 28, 2021. He was assigned to the Syracuse Crunch for the 2021–22 season, where he matched his career best with 57 points, including 30 goals and 27 assists in 66 games.
Leaving Tampa Bay at the end of his contract, Hudon signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Colorado Avalanche on July 13, 2022. After his time with the Avalanche, he joined the Ontario Reign, the AHL affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings, on a two-year AHL contract beginning July 3, 2023. After two point-per-game seasons with the Reign, Hudon returned to Europe, agreeing to a two-year contract with Djurgårdens IF of the SHL on July 23, 2025.
Driving Style and Strengths
Hudon is recognized as a skilled offensive forward with strong playmaking instincts and an ability to produce at every professional level. His quick hands and scoring touch have made him a reliable contributor on the power play, while his competitiveness allows him to play a physical game despite his modest frame. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated adaptability, transitioning smoothly between the AHL and NHL, and successfully adapting his game to European leagues.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the defining moments of Hudon’s career are his two AHL All-Star Game appearances, his co-MVP performance at the 2015 AHL All-Star Game, and his first NHL goal against the Ottawa Senators on October 30, 2017. Reaching the President Cup Finals with the Baie-Comeau Drakkar and matching his career high of 57 points with the Syracuse Crunch stand as further highlights of a career marked by consistent production.
Charles Hudon Career Wins
Charles Hudon’s professional career has spanned more than a decade across multiple leagues, including the AHL, NHL, NL, and SHL. While individual win totals vary by league and team, Hudon has consistently been a productive offensive contributor wherever he has played.
AHL and NHL Highlights
In the AHL, Hudon recorded 57 points in his rookie season with the Hamilton Bulldogs and matched that total with the Syracuse Crunch. His NHL career includes 23 primary points during the 2017–18 season with the Montreal Canadiens. He also represented the Laval Rocket at the 2020 AHL All-Star Classic, further cementing his reputation as a top AHL performer.
Other Wins and Performances
Abroad, Hudon has continued to produce at a high level, joining Djurgårdens IF of the SHL in July 2025 after two point-per-game seasons with the Ontario Reign. His career reflects a steady upward trajectory, with each stop providing new opportunities to showcase his offensive abilities.
Charles Hudon Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information regarding Charles Hudon’s family background remains limited. He was raised in Alma, Quebec, and developed his hockey skills within the province’s competitive minor hockey system before advancing to the major junior level.
Personal Life
Details about Charles Hudon’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly confirmed. He has remained focused on his professional hockey career, spending his off-seasons training and preparing for his various team commitments across North America and Europe.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks a new chapter for Charles Hudon, as he begins his tenure with Djurgårdens IF of the Swedish Hockey League. After signing a two-year contract on July 23, 2025, Hudon joined a competitive Swedish club known for its passionate fan base and strong domestic performances. His arrival in Stockholm signals the organization’s belief in his scoring ability and professional experience.
Coming off two productive seasons with the Ontario Reign, where he produced at a point-per-game pace, Hudon enters the SHL with momentum. His track record of consistent offensive production at both the AHL and NHL levels suggests he will be a key contributor for Djurgårdens IF as the team competes in one of Europe’s top professional leagues.
With the 2025–26 SHL season underway, Hudon’s combination of skill, experience, and adaptability positions him well for success in Sweden. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations, honed through years of professional hockey, will be an asset as he integrates into his new team and league.