Ottawa Senators: One-Year Deal Highlights Crucial Season for Filip Chlapik

Signed to a one-year, two-way contract, Filip Chlapik will look to build off a solid season

Coming off his longest stint in the NHL so far, Filip Chlapik has signed a one-year, two-way contract that carries a value of $735,000 in the NHL and $70,000 in the AHL.

While the 23-year-old forward didn’t produce gaudy numbers last season with Ottawa with just 6 points in 31 games, he thrived in an underrated aspect of his game. Chlapik was really good defensively and was one of the Senators better forwards in his own end. He was quite capable of playing a bottom-six role and also provided some energy with his physicality tying for 3rd on the team in hits/60 with Brady Tkachuk at 15.92.

Though he was solid in Ottawa, it’s left to be seen if his performance is enough to warrant a spot in the NHL as the two-way deal leaves some indication Belleville is a likely landing spot. Chlapik is different from teammate Nick Paul in the fact that he has proved he’s too good to play in Belleville, much similar to Drake Batherson and quite possibly Rudolfs Balcers, Chlapik hasn’t shown high offensive output yet in Belleville. He concluded last season with just 22 points in 37 games, playing on one of the higher scoring teams in the whole AHL, his production was underwhelming.

With his offensive game in question, Chlapik can try to rely on his defensive acumen to give him a legitimate chance at the NHL. With so many prospects pushing for a spot on the roster once the NHL returns to play, the Senators 2015 draft pick will have to stand out in one way or another.

Chlapik was loaned to HC Sparta Praha of the Czech League and currently has 1 goal in 3 games.

All stats used are from Natural Stat Trick.