Former Canadiens Forward Heads Overseas, Signs with New Team

In June 2012, Marc Bergevin conducted his very first draft as general manager of the Montreal Canadiens, having been hired by the organization just weeks earlier in May.

While he may have believed he made some solid picks at the time, the 2012 NHL Draft has since proven to be a major disappointment.

First-round pick Alex Galchenyuk had a few good seasons in a Canadiens uniform. Charles Hudon, selected in the 5th round at 122nd overall, is the only other player from that draft class to have played an NHL game alongside Galchenyuk.

Sebastian Collberg, who once seemed promising, ultimately turned out to be a disappointment. Dalton Thrower, Brady Vail, and Erik Nystrom never played a single NHL game either. Tim Bozon didn't make it to the NHL as well, though he belongs in a different category and it would be unfair to label him a disappointment given the tragic circumstances of his story.

Charles Hudon was a very intriguing prospect at the time, having put up excellent numbers in the QMJHL with the Chicoutimi Saguenéens and Baie-Comeau Drakkar.

In 2017-18, the Alma native had some strong moments with the Canadiens, registering 10 goals and 30 points in 72 games. Unfortunately, he couldn't maintain that pace and eventually returned to the AHL before opting for a change, signing with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2021-22.

After playing his last NHL games in 2022-23 with the Colorado Avalanche, Charles Hudon has decided to head to Sweden and has signed a deal with Djurgarden Hockey.

At 31 years old, this is a great decision for the left winger, and we wish him the best of success over there. Well done, Charles!