In a startling revelation about Lane Hudson, the Montreal Canadiens’ rising star, it has come to light that his omission from the Team USA orientation camp stems from a combination of missed opportunities and team politics. An NHL source disclosed that Hudson’s absence from the World Championships played a pivotal role in his exclusion from the camp, where players who participated were prioritized. This development has left many fans frustrated, especially considering Hudson’s impressive performance last season, where he showcased both offensive prowess and defensive s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s, ranking third in the league for takeaways.
The discourse surrounding Hudson’s potential contract extension is equally compelling. Initial estimates suggested a range between $10 million to $12 million, but recent comparisons to Brock Faber’s contract, valued at approximately $8.5 million AAV, have shifted expectations. With the rising salary cap and a potential deal falling between 9% to 9.5% of the cap, Hudson’s contract could be lower than that of fellow defenseman Noah Dobson. This scenario presents a golden opportunity for the Canadiens to secure Hudson at a favorable rate, which could significantly benefit their long-term roster construction.
Moreover, the Canadiens’ future looks bright with young talents like Juraj Slafkovsky and Ivan Demidov also projected for breakout seasons. Slafkovsky’s anticipated leap to 63 points and Demidov’s potential 61 points in his rookie season could be pivotal as the Canadiens aim for playoff contention. The synergy between Hudson and these emerging stars is crucial for the team’s aspirations, and Hudson’s determination to prove his worth post-exclusion could galvanize his performance.
As the season approaches, the urgency for the Canadiens to finalize Hudson’s contract grows. His s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 set and character make him an invaluable asset, and with the right deal, the Canadiens could solidify their competitive edge while nurturing a strong core for the future. Hudson’s journey is far from over, and as he prepares to make his mark, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this saga unfolds.
