Canucks sign Alex Chiasson to one-year contract worth $750,000

The Vancouver Canucks announced on Tuesday morning that they have signed forward Alex Chiasson to a one-year contract worth $750,000.

It was first reported by Rick Dhaliwal of Donnie and Dhali-The Team. Dhaliwal also confirmed that Zack MacEwen was placed on waivers.

The Canucks confirmed the signing of Chiasson a few minutes later.

“Alex is an established veteran who plays a physical game and brings a valuable net-front presence to our team, particularly on the power play,” said General Manager Jim Benning. “He’s a bigger player that doesn’t shy away from the tough areas of the ice and has fit in well with the rest of our forward group so far.”

Chiasson was signed to a professional tryout the day before training camp. In the preseason, he played four games and managed two assists. Both of those assists came on the power play.
Chiasson has been getting a lot of power-play time in the preseason and was on a line with J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson at Tuesday’s practice.

Chiasson spent the last three seasons with the Edmonton Oilers. In his first season in Edmonton, (2018-19) he managed career highs in goals with 22 and points with 38 in 73 games.
Last season, Chiasson managed nine goals and seven assists for 16 points in 45 games.

He spent a lot of time on the Oilers’ power play where he excelled playing with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

Other than the power play, Chiasson has been signed to provide some more forward depth. While he isn’t as physical as MacEwen, Chiasson can provide some offence.

Chiasson was drafted by the Dallas Stars in the second round (38th overall) in 2009. The 31-year-old Montreal native has also played with the Ottawa Senators, Calgary Flames, and Washington Capitals where he won the Stanley Cup in 2018.

What do you think of the Canucks signing Chiasson? Let us know in the comments below!