Alex Chiasson Does Not Have A Long-Term Future In Ottawa
By Jack Leiper
Alex Chiasson hasn’t had an ideal season.
When Chiasson was shipped over to the Senators, expectations were set. Some had ideas of 40-50 points, but at the least a repeat of last year’s performance of 35 points which saw him rarely score in the second half of the year.
Now, it’s looking like Chiasson might not even hit 30 points. He’s currently on pace for 33 points in a full healthy season, but in looking at current trends, I’ll say it’s unlikely he hits that mark.
Chiasson has 2 goals in his last 28 games, and despite playing at a pace of greater than 55 points through his first 20 games as a Senator, he has cooled.
That said, I don’t view Chiasson as a score or bust type player. Unlike Cory Conacher of last season, Chiasson still holds value to a team in a bottom 6 role. 30 points a year as a big forward isn’t a bad thing, most teams would be happy to have that.
He’s a big kid, he doesn’t skate well, and he doesn’t control play well. So, despite him making an adequate NHL player, the Ottawa Senators should consider a trade.
ANALYTICAL PRODUCTION
Chiasson has had his opportunities this season. He’s seen time with Kyle Turris and Clarke MacArthur as well as Bobby Ryan and Mika Zibanejad on the first and second lines.
In fact, in diving into Chiasson’s WOWY statistics, we can look at what teammates he’s played with the most.
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Looking at Chiasson’s frequent linemates, we see he’s spent most of his time with Turris and MacArthur, so you can’t hide behind the fact that he hasn’t been given the opportunity.
Chiasson’s 5v5 production has certainly trailed off, yet we still see him as 6th on the team with a P/60 @ 5v5 with 1.17, greater than Erik Karlsson. In looking at some possession numbers we see that his CF% hasn’t been horrible, and at 49.2% he’s still a negative player but is above the team average.
Really, Chiasson comes across as an about average player in almost every category. His scoring has been poor of late and he hasn’t appeared to impact this team tremendously one way or another.
EVALUATE
So, with that said the Senators need to evaluate Chiasson and decide whether or not he’s in their long-term plans, and if he isn’t.. trade him.
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Chiasson’s use to this team is currently a bottom 6 forward, and the Senators have plenty of those. Whether it be the already existent guys on the team or players in bingo such as Derek Grant or Buddy Robinson, Ottawa doesn’t need any more bottom 6 forwards.
Chiasson is an upcoming RFA and currently doesn’t hold the hammer in any negotiations. His play has become poor and he may have to settle for a cheap deal after coming off what is likely to be a disappointing season.
And with more important RFA’s on Ottawa’s mind such as Mika Zibanejad, Mike Hoffman and Mark Stone, Chiasson could find himself as the odd man out.
WHERE TO?/POTENTIAL RETURN
If Ottawa decided that Chiasson wasn’t in their future plans and with a slew of other RFA’s this summer, perhaps they look at moving him as early as the summer, where a few places stand out as potential fits.
Chiasson played hockey at Boston University prior to his NHL career, and with Boston being rumoured to be looking for a harder forward who can play up and down the lineup, maybe Chiasson is a fit. He’s big and could likely be had cheap as compared to other 24-year-old NHL players.
Winnipeg is another that makes sense, as they lack depth in the RW position and have also been rumoured to be searching for a forward, even past the Evander Kane deal last week.
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In discussing potential return, I don’t think Alex Chiasson will net you a ton. That said, he’s a solid pro and has some experience under him as a 24-year-old. Chiasson could be shipped in a package for something greater, as Bryan Murray continues to search for a deal.
If not, I’d expect a prospect, pick, or another youngish NHLer to be the return.. but you’d have to think Murray only looks to trade Chiasson if he can sell a package that nets a solid piece for the Senators.