Hudon: 'I don't really need anything to motivate myself'
With a new contract in hand, Charles Hudon is focused on the future
by Pierre-Antoine Mercier. Translated by Matt Cudzinowski. @CanadiensMTL / canadiens.com
MONTREAL - Charles Hudon is determined to put the frustration of last season behind him.
On Friday, the 25-year-old Alma, QC native agreed to terms on a one-year, one-way contract with the Canadiens worth $800,000.
Hudon sees the signing as a good opportunity to rebound after a tough campaign both emotionally and mentally.
"I don't really need anything to motivate myself. It was a really frustrating season last year, but it's just a part of hockey," mentioned Hudon, who suited up for 32 games with the Habs in 2018-19. "I've been ready and motivated to get back in the lineup since last December. We'll see what happens, but right now I'm just focusing on my training."
Since the free-agent market opened on July 1, the Canadiens have added three forwards to their fold, including Riley Barber, Phil Varone and Nick Cousins. Hudon knows that he'll have to battle for a roster spot come September in hopes of sticking with the big club.
"I don't know what the team's plans are. I know there have been a lot of signings since July 1. We'll see what happens, but it's all in the future," explained the 5-foot-10, 196-pound left-winger. "I'm proud to have signed a new one-way contract with the Montreal Canadiens."
Video: Conference call: Charles Hudon
Hudon would love to get back to playing the kind of hockey he displayed during his first full campaign in the NHL ranks in 2017-18 when he registered 10 goals and 30 points in 72 games.
In order to do that, Hudon is hoping to get more ice time. In 2017-18, he averaged 14:02 of ice time per outing, before it dropped to just 11:40 last year.
"If I have the chance to play more, to play on the power play, I'll earn my spot. Things went very well during my first year," stressed Hudon. "Everything happens on the ice. I can only control what I can control. I'm thinking about the present and not about the past."
Video: VGK@MTL: Kotkaniemi, Hudon connect for nifty goal
Right now, Hudon is hard at work in the gym trying to find new ways to improve his game.
One of those ways is by getting stronger.
"I'm really focused on my training. I talked with my trainer, Stephane Dube, about different things I could do to increase strength. That's what I'm working on," explained Hudon.
Nevertheless, Hudon is well aware that the final decision regarding his future with the Canadiens rests with general manager, Marc Bergevin, and head coach, Claude Julien. But, he plans on doing his best to make his case come training camp.
"The decisions rest with Marc and Claude. I'll try to change their opinions of me and make them feel more positive about my game," concluded Hudon.